N484RF

Substantial
None

Cessna A185S/N: 18504000

Accident Details

Date
Friday, June 7, 2019
NTSB Number
GAA19CA320
Location
Ashland, ME
Event ID
20190608X54011
Coordinates
46.661109, -68.389442
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 failure to maintain directional control during takeoff, which resulted in a runway excursion and collision with a tree.

Aircraft Information

Registration
N484RF
Make
CESSNA
Serial Number
18504000
Engine Type
Reciprocating
Model / ICAO
A185C185
Aircraft Type
Fixed Wing Single Engine
No. of Engines
1

Analysis

The pilot in the tailwheel-equipped airplane reported that during takeoff from a private dirt airstrip which had a 3% uphill slope and was crowned in the center of the track, he struggled to correct for torque and P-factor and crosswind, and the airplane veered left. He was able to correct to the right and continued the takeoff roll. The airplane again veered to the left side of the airstrip and the left wing struck a tree. The airplane exited the left side of the runway and briefly ascended before descending into the brush where it came to rest.

The airplane sustained substantial damage to the left wing.

Additionally, the pilot reported that the accident could have been prevented had he aborted the takeoff sooner.

The pilot reported that there were no mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

The pilot reported that the wind was variable at 10 to 15 knots. The nearest Meteorological Aerodrome Report at the airport 14 miles to the east, reported that about the time of the accident, the wind was from 280° at 7 knots. The pilot used runway 34.

Data Source

Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# GAA19CA320