Pilot Debrief

CESSNA 185A near Paxson, AK — 2010-09-12

Final reportANC10LA087
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Date
2010-09-12
Location
Paxson, AK, USA
Aircraft
CESSNA 185A
Registration
N4038Y
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Serious
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Initial climb

Probable cause

The pilot's decision to make a climbing turn close to the ground in gusting wind at a low airspeed, resulting in a loss of control and collision with terrain.

NTSB narrative

The pilot said that the float-equipped airplane had lifted off from a lake and climbed to about 200 feet above the lake level. He said that there was rising terrain ahead, which the airplane was capable of out-climbing, but his destination was behind him and he initiated a climbing left turn. He described the wind as being on the nose during takeoff, and that he initiated the climbing left turn with 70 knots of airspeed. He said a wind gust from the right increased the angle of bank to 50-60 degrees, and the airplane started to descend. During the descent, the wind rolled the airplane to the left again, but he was able to level the wings prior to the airplane impacting terrain. He reported no preexisting mechanical problems with the airplane, which sustained substantial damage to both wings and the fuselage.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Loss of control
First missed decision gate
Pilot should have climbed straight ahead before making the turn.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • 1 docket document
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents1

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