CESSNA 182A near Port Lions, AK — 2012-10-01

Probable cause

The pilot's decision to take off with ice- and snow-contaminated wings.

NTSB narrative

Prior to departure, the commercial pilot attempted to remove ice and snow contamination from the wings of the float-equipped airplane, but some contamination remained. During the takeoff run, the airplane failed to become airborne before reaching the end of the lake. The airplane slid along a gravel spillway for several hundred feet before nosing over. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the wings, empennage, and fuselage. The pilot stated that there were no preaccident anomalies with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. The pilot noted that the accident might have been avoided if he had removed all the frozen contamination from the wing or waited for above-freezing temperatures.

NTSB coding

• Structural icing · Takeoff
• Decision Making / Judgment

Evidence available

• 1 docket document

Docket documents1

• Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report, NTSB Form 6120.1form

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