On May 29, 1989, a Cessna 185F (registration N1047F) operated by Doug Geeting Aviation was involved in an aviation accident near Kahiltna Glac, AK. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE PILOT'S DECISION TO COMMIT HIMSELF TO A LANDING BEFORE COMPLETING AN EVALUATION OF THE WEATHER IN THE VICINITY OF THE LANDING SITE. CONTRIBUTING TO THE SEVERITY OF THE ACCIDENT WAS THE SNOWBANK OFF THE SIDE OF THE RUNWAY WITH WHICH THE AIRCRAFT COLLIDED. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 2 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
A pilot on final approach to a glacier encountered a low fog bank. Committed to land, the aircraft touched down hard in deep snow, resulting in broken gear boxes, a detached ski, and propeller loss.
Accident Details
During a VFR final approach to a glacier, the pilot encountered a low fog bank. The pilot reported that on short final with full flaps and a loaded aircraft, a go-around was impossible, stating, "I was committed to land." Upon descending further, the pilot entered ground fog and lost ground contact. The subsequent landing was described as hard, occurring on a steeper part of the glacier in deep snow and to the left of the usual touchdown point.
Damage
The landing impact caused the gear boxes to break. The right ski detached and collided with the right horizontal stabilizer. Additionally, the propeller separated from the engine.
What happened in the 29 May 1989 Cessna 185F accident near Kahiltna Glac, AK?
A pilot on final approach to a glacier encountered a low fog bank. Committed to land, the aircraft touched down hard in deep snow, resulting in broken gear boxes, a detached ski, and propeller loss.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 29 May 1989 involved a Cessna 185F, registration N1047F, operated by Doug Geeting Aviation, at Kahiltna Glac, AK.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
THE PILOT'S DECISION TO COMMIT HIMSELF TO A LANDING BEFORE COMPLETING AN EVALUATION OF THE WEATHER IN THE VICINITY OF THE LANDING SITE. CONTRIBUTING TO THE SEVERITY OF THE ACCIDENT WAS THE SNOWBANK OFF THE SIDE OF THE RUNWAY WITH WHICH THE AIRCRAFT COLLIDED.
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