On November 26, 1985, a Cessna 182P II (registration N9893M) was involved in an aviation accident near Carson City, NV. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's decision to attempt takeoff with frost and ice on the aircraft, which resulted in a stall. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
An aircraft stalled shortly after becoming airborne during takeoff because the pilot attempted flight with significant frost on the wings, leading to a crash into a perimeter fence.
What happened
The pilot attempted to take off in an aircraft that had at least one-half inch of frost and ice accumulated on its upper surfaces. As the aircraft accelerated down the runway, it became airborne near the end of the 5900-foot strip. However, due to the contaminated wing surfaces, the aircraft entered a stall while in an extreme nose-high attitude. The nose then dropped sharply, resulting in ground contact. Following the impact, the aircraft skidded through a perimeter fence and continued across a perimeter road.
The investigation
Examination of the propeller condition and evidence of propeller strikes on the road surface indicated that the engine was operating at high power during the incident.
Probable cause
The pilot's decision to attempt takeoff with frost and ice on the aircraft, which resulted in a stall.
What happened in the 26 Nov 1985 Cessna 182P II accident near Carson City, NV?
An aircraft stalled shortly after becoming airborne during takeoff because the pilot attempted flight with significant frost on the wings, leading to a crash into a perimeter fence.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 26 Nov 1985 involved a Cessna 182P II, registration N9893M, at Carson City, NV.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The pilot's decision to attempt takeoff with frost and ice on the aircraft, which resulted in a stall.
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…