N4764B

Substantial
None

CESSNA 185S/N: 18503371

Accident Details

Date
Sunday, March 9, 2014
NTSB Number
CEN14CA154
Location
Eden Prairie, MN
Event ID
20140310X52524
Coordinates
44.827499, -93.458610
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
Highest Injury
None
Fatalities
0
Serious Injuries
0
Minor Injuries
0
Uninjured
1
Total Aboard
1

Probable Cause and Findings

The pilot's loss of directional control during takeoff with a gusty crosswind.

Aircraft Information

Registration
Make
CESSNA
Serial Number
18503371
Engine Type
Reciprocating
Year Built
1977
Model / ICAO
185C185
Aircraft Type
Fixed Wing Single Engine
No. of Engines
1
Seats
6
FAA Model
A185F

Registered Owner (Current)

Name
PRATT SEAN
Address
92 MACE RD
City
HAMPTON
State / Zip Code
NH 03842-2047
Country
United States

Analysis

While attempting to takeoff with a left crosswind of 10 knots gusting to 17 knots, the pilot began the takeoff roll with 1/2 throttle. He then advanced the throttle to full forward and pushed the control yoke forward to lift the tail. The airplane began to veer to the left with insufficient airspeed to lift off from the runway. The pilot aborted the takeoff and applied brakes. However, the airplane continued forward and collided with a snow bank, nosed over, and came to rest inverted. Substantial damage was sustained to the vertical stabilizer. The pilot reported that there were no mechanical malfunctions or failures prior to the accident. In addition, the pilot reported that the accident could have been prevented had he kept the tailwheel in contact with the runway longer and/or departed on a runway better aligned with the wind.

Data Source

Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# CEN14CA154