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Cessna 182 accident at Chakachamna LK, AK, 8 Dec 1989 (N8849T)

Chakachamna LK, AK, US

On December 8, 1989, a Cessna 182 (registration N8849T) operated by Fauser, Gene C. was involved in an aviation accident near Chakachamna LK, AK. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: INADEQUATE PREFLIGHT PREPARATION OF THE TAKEOFF AREA BY THE PILOT, AND HIS ATTEMPT TO TAKE OFF ON UNSUITABLE TERRAIN. THE SOFT/SNOW COVERED TERRAIN WAS CONSIDERED TO BE A CONTRIBUTING FACTOR. 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.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-06-10Data APIEditorial standards

Probable cause

INADEQUATE PREFLIGHT PREPARATION OF THE TAKEOFF AREA BY THE PILOT, AND HIS ATTEMPT TO TAKE OFF ON UNSUITABLE TERRAIN. THE SOFT/SNOW COVERED TERRAIN WAS CONSIDERED TO BE A CONTRIBUTING FACTOR.

— NTSB Determination

Accident narrative

THE ACDNT OCCURRED AS THE PLT OF THE SKI EQUIPPED ACFT WAS ATTEMPTING TO TAKE OFF FROM AN AREA OF DRIFTED SNOW ON THE SOUTH SHORE OF CHAKACHAMNA LAKE. IN A STATEMENT AFTER THE ACDNT, THE PLT REPORTED HE WAS 'TAXIING FOR TAKEOFF AND ATTEMPTED TAKEOFF, HIT SNOW BANK . . .' SUBSEQUENTLY, HE LOST CONTROL OF THE ACFT & IT SKIDDED TO A STOP ON ITS NOSE.

Related events

Same aircraft family

All Cessna 182 accidents →

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 8 Dec 1989 Cessna 182 accident near Chakachamna LK, AK?

THE ACDNT OCCURRED AS THE PLT OF THE SKI EQUIPPED ACFT WAS ATTEMPTING TO TAKE OFF FROM AN AREA OF DRIFTED SNOW ON THE SOUTH SHORE OF CHAKACHAMNA LAKE. IN A STATEMENT AFTER THE ACDNT, THE PLT REPORTED HE WAS 'TAXIING FOR TAKEOFF AND ATTEMPTED TAKEOFF, HIT SNOW BANK . . .' SUBSEQUENTLY, HE LOST CONTROL OF THE ACFT & IT…

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 8 Dec 1989 involved a Cessna 182, registration N8849T, operated by Fauser, Gene C., at Chakachamna LK, AK.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

INADEQUATE PREFLIGHT PREPARATION OF THE TAKEOFF AREA BY THE PILOT, AND HIS ATTEMPT TO TAKE OFF ON UNSUITABLE TERRAIN. THE SOFT/SNOW COVERED TERRAIN WAS CONSIDERED TO BE A CONTRIBUTING FACTOR.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001213X29901. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.