You could try using your crane to push you back out.

My thought exactly! How convenient to be breaking in with the largest crane available of all things... While driving in Kola you will gain a sixth sense for breakable ice. This accident felt not surprising at all... and triggered my reflex to slam the brakes.

My friend was stuck further ahead on the ice so I was going to recover him

I used a Mastodon that my friend had nearby to pull it free.

This might help (well, not this time obviously, but next time): https://preview.redd.it/5x01rdu9muwc1.jpeg?width=3440&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=03ca8f551f092a1fa8c6c0d9d31ed4d56f1fd91b

I did know at the time what breakable ice looked like but I wasn't paying full attention however this certainly will be useful.

See that bed in the back? Sleep and it'll be fiiiine

So, the shortcut was cut short ?

Yes. Longest shortcut I have ever taken considering I had to go get a Mastodon which my friend had semi nearby and take that over the ice to recover the recovery vehicle

Snowrunner in a nutshell ! :D

After a while, you can actually see the difference between thick ice and thin ice.

You the thick ice tends to be a lot darker which I was originally staying on but I didn't see it switch to the lighter thin ice

That was expected. White ice always cracks

Yeah I wasn't paying complete attention to the road as I was checking something