Summary
On August 31, 2012, a Cessna A185F (N3946Q) was involved in an incident near Gerlach, NV. All 4 people 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 failure to maintain directional control during the takeoff roll.
The pilot said that he had landed on a small dry lake bed or playa. He departed with a light left crosswind, and the airplane began to weathervane to the left. He said he was unable to counteract the left turning tendency with the rudder, so he aborted the takeoff. During the application of brakes, the aircraft ground looped to the left bending the right wing and horizontal stabilizer.
This incident is documented in NTSB report WPR12CA381. AviatorDB cross-references NTSB investigation data with FAA registry records to provide comprehensive safety information for aircraft N3946Q.
Accident Details
Probable Cause and Findings
The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the takeoff roll.
Aircraft Information
Registered Owner (Current)
Analysis
The pilot said that he had landed on a small dry lake bed or playa. He departed with a light left crosswind, and the airplane began to weathervane to the left. He said he was unable to counteract the left turning tendency with the rudder, so he aborted the takeoff. During the application of brakes, the aircraft ground looped to the left bending the right wing and horizontal stabilizer.
Data Source
Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# WPR12CA381