Pilot Debrief

CESSNA A185E near Kotzebue, AK — 2013-07-29

Final reportANC13CA069
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Date
2013-07-29
Location
Kotzebue, AK, USA
Aircraft
CESSNA A185E
Registration
N4557F
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Takeoff roll

Probable cause

The pilot's lack of situational awareness and failure to maintain adequate clearance from terrain during takeoff. Factors contributing to the accident was the check airmen’s inadequate supervision.

NTSB narrative

The pilot was demonstrating a confined area takeoff for a part 135 Visual Flight Rules (VFR) competency check from a remote lake in a float equipped airplane. The check airman, seated in the right seat, instructed the pilot to begin his takeoff run 90 degrees from the prevailing wind, and turn into the wind as the airplane accelerated for departure. During the takeoff water run the pilot failed to turn away from the shoreline. The airplane was almost on the step when the shoreline jutted out perpendicular to the takeoff run. He attempted to force the airplane into the air by applying flaps, and pulling aft on the control yoke, but the airplane impacted the shore, bounced into the air, and slid across the ground for approximately 100 yards before nosing down. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the left wing. The pilot reported no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. In the recommendation section of the NTSB Accident/Incident Reporting Form 6120.1, the check airman stated that the accident may have been prevented if he had ensured the pilot understood his instructions, or if he would have discontinued the maneuver before an unsafe condition developed.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Human factors
First missed decision gate
Check airman could have ensured pilot understood instructions or stopped maneuver.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • 1 docket document
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents1

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