Accident Details
Probable Cause and Findings
The pilot's selection of an unsuitable takeoff area on the airstrip. Factors associated with this accident were the rough takeoff area, and the pilot's loss of directional control.
Aircraft Information
Registered Owner (Historical)
Analysis
On August 16, 2000, about 2230 Alaska daylight time, a tundra tire equipped Cessna 185 airplane, N1205F, sustained substantial damage when it nosed over during takeoff from the Bar-A airstrip, about 30 miles east of Kaktovik, Alaska, at 69 degrees, 52.979 minutes north latitude, 142 degrees, 18.592 minutes west longitude. The solo commercial pilot was not injured. The flight was being conducted by North Quest Aviation of Fairbanks, Alaska, under 14 CFR Part 91, as a repositioning leg after dropping off hunting clients. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the accident, and a company VFR flight plan was filed.
During a telephone interview with the NTSB investigator-in-charge on August 17, the pilot stated he began the takeoff roll, and the airplane hit a rut in the 2,000 feet long by 50 feet wide gravel airstrip. He stated the airplane swerved to the left, departed the edge of the airstrip, and nosed over. The airplane sustained substantial damage to both wings, and the vertical stabilizer.
The pilot did not complete an NTSB accident report form as requested.
Data Source
Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# ANC00LA103