Pilot Debrief

CESSNA A185F near Talkeetna, AK — 2013-03-08

Final reportANC13LA032
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Date
2013-03-08
Location
Talkeetna, AK, USA
Aircraft
CESSNA A185F
Registration
N185FK
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Taxi

Probable cause

The overstress fracture and failure of the right wheel/ski arm while taxiing in snow and water-overflow terrain conditions, which resulted in a noseover.

NTSB narrative

The pilot and three passengers were on an air tour flight in a wheel/ski-equipped airplane. The pilot reported that, after landing on a frozen, snow-covered lake and while taxiing, he felt the weight of the airplane transfer to the right wheel/ski as he initiated a left turn. He stated that, during the turn, the airplane’s wheel/skis began to sink into the soft snow and that the airplane subsequently nosed over, sustaining substantial damage to the wings, rudder, and vertical stabilizer. After the accident, the pilot reported seeing water overflow in the ski tracks of the airplane, which can rapidly decelerate the airplane during taxi. A postaccident examination revealed that the ski arm assembly on the right wheel/ski had separated at the weld area. Magnified optical examination of the fracture surfaces revealed features consistent with overstress separations of the welds. No indication of preexisting cracking, such as fatigue or corrosion, was noted.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Mechanical failure
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have avoided the left turn on soft snow after landing.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents5

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