On August 22, 1984, a Cessna 185 (registration N1980U) was involved in an aviation accident near Akron, CO. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
An aircraft stalled and flipped over during a takeoff at a density altitude of 7,011 feet. The pilot, accustomed to sea-level operations, rotated late and raised flaps early, leading to a loss of altitude and stall at 15 feet AGL.
Incident Overview
An aircraft experienced a stall and subsequent ground impact during a takeoff in high-density-altitude conditions. The airplane was approximately 200 pounds below its maximum gross weight for the departure. The pilot reported that all previous takeoffs had been conducted near sea level, and he was not accustomed to operations at elevated density altitudes. The density altitude at the time was 7,011 feet.
Sequence of Events
According to the pilot, the aircraft was rotated about three-quarters of the way down the runway, resulting in a "little nose high attitude." It climbed to approximately 100 feet above ground level (AGL). At that point, the landing gear was retracted and the flaps were raised to 10 degrees. Immediately afterward, the aircraft began to settle back toward the ground. It stalled at an altitude of about 15 feet AGL. The aircraft then struck the ground in a nose-low attitude and flipped onto its back.
What happened in the 22 Aug 1984 Cessna 185 accident near Akron, CO?
An aircraft stalled and flipped over during a takeoff at a density altitude of 7,011 feet. The pilot, accustomed to sea-level operations, rotated late and raised flaps early, leading to a loss of altitude and stall at 15 feet AGL.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 22 Aug 1984 involved a Cessna 185, registration N1980U, at Akron, CO.
A SkyWalk Join't 3 paraglider crashed into the ground near Las Vizcachas, Chile, on September 1, 2024. The pilot and passenger sustained serious spinal…
PARAPENTE (ULTRALIVIANO NO MOTORIZADO)·2024-09-01DGAC Chile
A Cessna 172N struck electrical cables while on final approach to land at Aucó Aerodrome in Chile. The pilot was uninjured, but the aircraft sustained damage…
A Bombardier DHC-8-402 suffered a tail strike during landing at Puerto Williams on September 9, 2024. All 76 occupants were unharmed, but the aircraft…
A MYD JS-MD 3 glider veered off the runway and struck a wall at Vitacura Aerodrome on January 6, 2025. The pilot was uninjured, but the aircraft sustained…
A recreational paraglider flight in Puchuncaví, Chile, ended with the pilot sustaining serious injuries after a rapid descent and impact with a hillside on…
PARAPENTE (ULTRALIVIANO NO MOTORIZADO)·2025-03-29DGAC Chile
A Tecnam P2006T landed on its belly at an aerodrome in Poland after the crew failed to confirm landing gear deployment. The incident resulted in no injuries…