Pilot Debrief

Cessna A185 near Ashland, ME — 2019-06-07

Final reportGAA19CA320
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Date
2019-06-07
Location
Ashland, ME, USA
Airport
PVT
Aircraft
Cessna A185
Registration
N484RF
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during takeoff, which resulted in a runway excursion and collision with a tree.

NTSB narrative

The pilot reported that, during takeoff from a private dirt airstrip which had a 3% uphill slope and was crowned in the center of the track, he struggled to correct for torque, P-factor, and crosswind, and the airplane veered left. He was able to correct to the right and continued the takeoff roll. The airplane again veered left, and the left wing struck a tree. The airplane exited the left side of the runway and briefly ascended before descending into brush and coming to rest. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the left wing. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • Photos
  • 3 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents3

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