Pilot Debrief

CESSNA 185 near Eden Prairie, MN — 2014-03-09

Final reportCEN14CA154
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Date
2014-03-09
Location
Eden Prairie, MN, USA
Airport
FCM
Aircraft
CESSNA 185
Registration
N4764B
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

The pilot's loss of directional control during takeoff with a gusty crosswind.

NTSB narrative

While attempting to takeoff with a left crosswind of 10 knots gusting to 17 knots, the pilot began the takeoff roll with 1/2 throttle. He then advanced the throttle to full forward and pushed the control yoke forward to lift the tail. The airplane began to veer to the left with insufficient airspeed to lift off from the runway. The pilot aborted the takeoff and applied brakes. However, the airplane continued forward and collided with a snow bank, nosed over, and came to rest inverted. Substantial damage was sustained to the vertical stabilizer. The pilot reported that there were no mechanical malfunctions or failures prior to the accident. In addition, the pilot reported that the accident could have been prevented had he kept the tailwheel in contact with the runway longer and/or departed on a runway better aligned with the wind.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • 1 docket document
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents1

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