N333DG

On May 31, 1993, at 0900 Alaska daylight time, a wheel/ski equipped Cessna A-185F airplane, N333DG, registered to and operated by Doug Geeting Aviation of Talkeetna, Alaska, lost control while moving down slope on the glacier, and bent the left wing upwards. The Air Taxi flight was departing the 7,500 foot level of the Kahiltna Glacier and the destination was Talkeetna. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and a company flight plan was in effect. The Airline Transport Certificated Pilot-in- Command and the three passengers were not injured and the airplane was substantially damaged.

According to the Pilot-in-Command, the passengers were on board and the takeoff area was very rutted. He stated he was taxiing to another takeoff area where he planned to get out and walk the area.

According to a passenger, the pilot stated to them that "once he got going there was no stopping." The airplane then started its takeoff roll down the face of the glacier. He stated that the airplane was at full power when it made a sharp left turn. It continued the turn and completed a 360 degree turn and again was traveling down the slope of the glacier. The airplane made another sharp left turn and the right wing struck the surface of the glacier.

According to the NTSB Form 6120.1/2, the pilot stated that he was taxiing to another takeoff location when the right ski failed and the airplane's right wing struck the ground. The accident occurred on May 31, 1993, and was reported on June 4, 1993. No parts from the right ski were submitted for examination, and the airplane was examined only after minor repairs had been accomplished. The airplane still showed substantial damage. The toxicological examination results were negative.