Pilot Debrief

CESSNA 180K near Ambler, AK — 2018-06-15

Final reportANC18LA046
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Date
2018-06-15
Location
Ambler, AK, USA
Aircraft
CESSNA 180K
Registration
N2957K
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Serious
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Takeoff roll

Probable cause

The pilot's selection of an unsuitable takeoff area with unfavorable wind conditions, which resulted in the airplane’s inability to maintain a climb.

NTSB narrative

The airline transport pilot was conducting a tour flight with two passengers onboard and landed on a hilly sand dune. He reported that the wind increased by 10 to 20 knots over a 2-hour period. The pilot said that, after considering and reviewing several downhill departure routes, he selected a departure route that was into the wind. Just after a downhill takeoff, the headwind diminished, the airplane stopped climbing, and the stall warning horn sounded. The airplane subsequently collided with rising terrain, which resulted in substantial damage to the forward fuselage. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. The pilot selected an unsuitable takeoff area with unfavorable wind conditions, which likely resulted in the airplane's inability to maintain a climb.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Loss of control
First missed decision gate
Choosing a different takeoff route could have avoided the terrain collision.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents2

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