Ski-Equipped Aircraft Nosed Over During Takeoff Attempt

Casualties unknown • Skwentna, AK, US

A pilot lost directional control of a ski-equipped airplane during a takeoff attempt on an off-airport landing site, resulting in substantial aircraft damage.

What happened

A pilot was attempting to land a ski-equipped airplane at an off-airport landing site characterized by deep, wet snow. During the initial landing roll, the aircraft began to sink into the snow. In an effort to rectify the situation, the pilot elected to take off again, intending to return for a second landing within the tracks created by the first landing attempt.

As the aircraft accelerated toward lift-off speed, the right main ski struck a compacted track left by a snow machine. This impact caused the pilot to lose directional control of the aircraft. The pilot was unable to recover, and the airplane ultimately nosed over onto its back, resulting in substantial damage to the aircraft. The pilot noted that the accident might have been avoided if power had been reduced and the aircraft had turned around within the existing landing tracks prior to attempting the takeoff.

Probable cause

The pilot lost directional control after the right main ski struck a compacted snow machine track during a takeoff attempt on an off-airport surface.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1989-03-25 Cessna 180-A accident near Skwentna, AK?

A pilot lost directional control of a ski-equipped airplane during a takeoff attempt on an off-airport landing site, resulting in substantial aircraft damage.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1989-03-25 involved a Cessna 180-A, registration N9685B, at Skwentna, AK.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot lost directional control after the right main ski struck a compacted snow machine track during a takeoff attempt on an off-airport surface.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001213X27816. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.

Loading the flight search…