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Casualties unknown

Aircraft Noses Over After Colliding with Snow Bank on Frozen Lake (N61500)

Alaktak, AK, US

On June 1, 1985, a Cessna A185F (registration N61500) operated by Grant B. Thompson was involved in an aviation accident near Alaktak, AK. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

During a landing attempt on a frozen lake, an aircraft collided with a snow bank and nosed over. The pilot reported that the right ski hit a pressure ridge or broke through crust, causing the aircraft to pitch down and flip onto its back.

Accident Details

The accident occurred during a landing attempt on a frozen lake. The aircraft collided with a snow bank and nosed over. The pilot reported that the right ski encountered either a pressure ridge or a break in the crust. This caused the aircraft to abruptly pitch downward, contact the ice, and continue rotating until it came to rest inverted. The stop was described as abrupt, leading the pilot to believe that the ski had struck an obstacle.

Pilot Statement

The pilot stated: "My right ski hit a pressure ridge or broke through crust; whichever, the aircraft abruptly pitched down, contacting the ice and continuing over onto its back. The stop was abrupt leading me to believe the ski hit an obstacle."

Pilot Recommendation

The pilot recommended that off-airport landings be prohibited to prevent occurrences of this type.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1 Jun 1985 Cessna A185F accident near Alaktak, AK?

During a landing attempt on a frozen lake, an aircraft collided with a snow bank and nosed over. The pilot reported that the right ski hit a pressure ridge or broke through crust, causing the aircraft to pitch down and flip onto its back.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1 Jun 1985 involved a Cessna A185F, registration N61500, operated by Grant B. Thompson, at Alaktak, AK.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001214X36343. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.