Summary
On March 31, 1996, a Cessna 185 (N9875X) was involved in an incident near Anchorage, AK. All 1 person aboard were uninjured. The aircraft sustained substantial damage.
The National Transportation Safety Board determined the probable cause of this incident to be: The pilot's inadequate compensation for gusty crosswind conditions. The strong, gusty crosswind was a factor.
On March 31, 1996, about 1510 Alaska standard time, a ski equipped Cessna 185, N9875X, was upset by gusty winds while taxiing from landing at Lake Hood Seaplane Base, Anchorage, Alaska. The airplane was being operated as a visual flight rules (VFR) cross-country personal flight when the accident occurred. The airplane, registered to and operated by the pilot, sustained substantial damage. The certificated private pilot, the sole occupant, was not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed. The flight originated at Lake Louise, Alaska, at 1400.
The pilot reported that he landed to the west on the frozen lake and was taxiing to his parking area.
This incident is documented in NTSB report ANC96LA040. AviatorDB cross-references NTSB investigation data with FAA registry records to provide comprehensive safety information for aircraft N9875X.
Accident Details
Probable Cause and Findings
the pilot's inadequate compensation for gusty crosswind conditions. The strong, gusty crosswind was a factor.
Aircraft Information
Registered Owner (Current)
Analysis
On March 31, 1996, about 1510 Alaska standard time, a ski equipped Cessna 185, N9875X, was upset by gusty winds while taxiing from landing at Lake Hood Seaplane Base, Anchorage, Alaska. The airplane was being operated as a visual flight rules (VFR) cross-country personal flight when the accident occurred. The airplane, registered to and operated by the pilot, sustained substantial damage. The certificated private pilot, the sole occupant, was not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed. The flight originated at Lake Louise, Alaska, at 1400.
The pilot reported that he landed to the west on the frozen lake and was taxiing to his parking area. Strong winds from the right were producing a weather-vaning tendency on the airplane and he countered by using engine power to maintain directional control. A gust of wind picked up the right wing and the airplane began moving sideways. The left main gear ski dug into the snow and the gear collapsed. The left wing then struck the surface of the lake. The airplane received damage to the left main gear, left wing, and the left horizontal stabilizer.
The 1452 weather observation at Anchorage stated in part: Sky condition and ceiling, clear; visibility, 90 miles; temperature, 36 degrees F; dew point, 11 degrees F; wind, 010 degrees at 22 knots, gust to 28 knots; altimeter, 30.06 inHg.
Data Source
Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# ANC96LA040