N121EECESSNA A185F2011-11-23 NTSB Accident Report

Substantial
None

CESSNA A185FS/N: 18503765

Summary

On November 23, 2011, a Cessna A185F (N121EE) was involved in an incident near Talkeetna, AK. All 2 people aboard were uninjured. The aircraft sustained substantial damage.

The National Transportation Safety Board determined the probable cause of this incident to be: A broken wheel/ski clevis pin, which allowed the ski to pivot upward and strike the right wing lift strut.

The pilot reported that after departing from a snow-covered glacier in a tailwheel and wheel/ski-equipped airplane, he retracted the skis in preparation for landing on a paved runway. During the retraction, the right wheel/ski pivoted up, striking the airplane's right wing lift strut. Inspection revealed that the ski's right rear clevis pin had broken, which allowed the ski to pivot upwards. The right wing lift strut sustained substantial damage, which required replacement. Other than the broken clevis pin, the pilot indicated there were no preaccident mechanical problems with the airplane.

This incident is documented in NTSB report ANC12CA010. AviatorDB cross-references NTSB investigation data with FAA registry records to provide comprehensive safety information for aircraft N121EE.

Accident Details

Date
Wednesday, November 23, 2011
NTSB Number
ANC12CA010
Location
Talkeetna, AK
Event ID
20111201X43018
Coordinates
62.970108, -156.079956
Nearest Airport
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
Highest Injury
None
Fatalities
0
Serious Injuries
0
Minor Injuries
0
Uninjured
2
Total Aboard
2

Probable Cause and Findings

A broken wheel/ski clevis pin, which allowed the ski to pivot upward and strike the right wing lift strut.

Aircraft Information

Registration
Make
CESSNA
Serial Number
18503765
Engine Type
Reciprocating
Year Built
1979
Model / ICAO
A185FC185
Aircraft Type
Fixed Wing Single Engine
No. of Engines
1
Seats
6
FAA Model
A185F

Registered Owner (Current)

Name
SHELDON AIR SERVICE LLC
Address
9243 NOBLEWOOD ST # A
City
ANCHORAGE
State / Zip Code
AK 99502
Country
United States

Analysis

The pilot reported that after departing from a snow-covered glacier in a tailwheel and wheel/ski-equipped airplane, he retracted the skis in preparation for landing on a paved runway. During the retraction, the right wheel/ski pivoted up, striking the airplane's right wing lift strut. Inspection revealed that the ski's right rear clevis pin had broken, which allowed the ski to pivot upwards. The right wing lift strut sustained substantial damage, which required replacement. Other than the broken clevis pin, the pilot indicated there were no preaccident mechanical problems with the airplane.

Data Source

Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# ANC12CA010