On December 14, 1985, a Cessna 206 (registration N5173U) operated by Reid A. Willey was involved in an aviation accident near Hardin, MT. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to see the entire runway surface during the takeoff roll due to a downward slope, which resulted in the aircraft impacting snowdrifts and departing the runway. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 8 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
During a takeoff attempt on a snow-covered dirt runway, the pilot could not see the entire surface due to a downward slope. The aircraft impacted snowdrifts and departed the runway onto sloping terrain.
What happened
Following a landing on an east-facing snow-covered dirt runway, the pilot elected to initiate a takeoff on an intersecting runway oriented to the south. From the position where the takeoff roll began, the downward slope of the runway centerline prevented the pilot from seeing the entire surface ahead. During the ground roll at approximately 40-50 mph, the aircraft impacted snowdrifts located in the unobserved portion of the runway. The aircraft then departed the right side of the runway and proceeded down a sloping terrain with a grade of 30 degrees before coming to rest in deep snow.
Findings
The primary factor contributing to the accident was the pilot's inability to see the entire runway surface due to the downward slope from the center of the runway. This limited visibility prevented the pilot from avoiding the snowdrifts that were present in the unobserved area of the takeoff path.
Probable cause
The pilot's failure to see the entire runway surface during the takeoff roll due to a downward slope, which resulted in the aircraft impacting snowdrifts and departing the runway.
What happened in the 14 Dec 1985 Cessna 206 accident near Hardin, MT?
During a takeoff attempt on a snow-covered dirt runway, the pilot could not see the entire surface due to a downward slope. The aircraft impacted snowdrifts and departed the runway onto sloping terrain.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 14 Dec 1985 involved a Cessna 206, registration N5173U, operated by Reid A. Willey, at Hardin, MT.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The pilot's failure to see the entire runway surface during the takeoff roll due to a downward slope, which resulted in the aircraft impacting snowdrifts and departing the runway.
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