On April 4, 1986, a Cessna 185F (registration N1867Q) operated by Charlie Hammond was involved in an aviation accident near Point Aufer, LA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain control during takeoff due to gusty wind conditions that lifted a wing, resulting in a collision with a bank. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A pilot lost control of his aircraft during takeoff from a canal at Point Aufer Island, Louisiana, when gusty winds lifted one wing and caused the plane to strike a bank.
What happened
The pilot reported losing control of the aircraft while attempting to take off from a canal located at Point Aufer Island in Louisiana. During the initial phase of the takeoff roll, gusty wind conditions suddenly lifted one wing of the aircraft. This unexpected aerodynamic disturbance caused the plane to collide with the adjacent bank.
Following the impact, the aircraft continued its momentum upward onto the canal bank. The force of the collision and subsequent movement resulted in the aircraft coming to rest in an inverted position on the embankment.
Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain control during takeoff due to gusty wind conditions that lifted a wing, resulting in a collision with a bank.
What happened in the 4 Apr 1986 Cessna 185F accident near Point Aufer, LA?
A pilot lost control of his aircraft during takeoff from a canal at Point Aufer Island, Louisiana, when gusty winds lifted one wing and caused the plane to strike a bank.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 4 Apr 1986 involved a Cessna 185F, registration N1867Q, operated by Charlie Hammond, at Point Aufer, LA.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The pilot's failure to maintain control during takeoff due to gusty wind conditions that lifted a wing, resulting in a collision with a bank.
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