PORCUPINE LODGE, AK, USA
N70087
CESSNA 185
THE AIRCRAFT WAS TAXIING FOR TAKEOFF ON THE FROZEN PORCUPINE RIVER IN RURAL ALASKA WHEN THE RIGHT MAIN LANDING GEAR BROKE THROUGH THE RIVER ICE, ALLOWING THE RIGHT WING TO STRIKE THE ICE. THE PILOT STATED THAT HE HAD LANDED ON THE RIVER NEAR THE PORCUPINE LODGE AT A SITE THAT HAD BEEN DESIGNATED BY THE OPERATOR OF THE LODGE AS A LANDING SITE. HE EXPERIENCED NO PROBLEMS DURING THE LANDING, AND ASSUMED THAT THE ICE WAS THICK ENOUGH TO SUPPORT THE WEIGHT OF HIS AIRPLANE. DURING THE TAXI DOWNSTREAM FOR TAKEOFF, THE RIGHT MAIN LANDING GEAR TIRE AND SKI BROKE THROUGH THE ICE INTO APPROXIMATELY FOUR FEET OF WATER.
Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database
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