Cessna 185
Brooks Range, AK — August 12, 2018
Event Information
| Date | August 12, 2018 |
| Event Type | ACC |
| NTSB Number | GAA18CA488 |
| Event ID | 20180814X45821 |
| Location | Brooks Range, AK |
| Country | USA |
| Coordinates | 67.23920, -152.27054 |
| Highest Injury | NONE |
Aircraft
| Make | Cessna |
| Model | 185 |
| Category | AIR |
| FAR Part | 091 |
| Aircraft Damage | SUBS |
Conditions
| Light Condition | DAYL |
| Weather | VMC |
Injuries
| Fatal | 0 |
| Serious | 0 |
| Minor | 0 |
| None | 2 |
| Total Injured | 0 |
Event Location
Probable Cause
The airplane's encounter with downdraft conditions during takeoff, which resulted in a subsequent loss of altitude and collision with terrain.
Full Narrative
The pilot in the tailwheel-equipped airplane reported that he took off from an off-airport unimproved gravel surface. He recalled that the airplane climbed and was airborne for about 300ft before it encountered a "severe downdraft." The airplane impacted a creek bed and the main landing gear separated from the airframe.
The airplane sustained substantial damage to the foremost fuselage bulkhead and stringers.
The pilot reported that the wind at the accident site was from 230 degrees at 25 knots with gusts to 30 knots, and that he was landing to the southwest.
The pilot reported that there were no mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
About This NTSB Record
This aviation event was investigated by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). NTSB investigates all U.S. civil aviation accidents to determine probable cause and issue safety recommendations to prevent future accidents.