Airplane impact into Amitchiak Lake following takeoff maneuver

Casualties unknown • Amitchiak Lake, AK, US

An aircraft crashed into Amitchiak Lake after the pilot performed a turn to avoid rising terrain during takeoff from a mountain valley.

What happened

At Amitchiak Lake, which is situated in a mountain valley at an elevation of 2,500 feet, an aircraft departed into winds blowing from the north and northwest. During the initial climb, the pilot was required to execute a turn to avoid rising terrain, as the takeoff area was positioned directly downwind of the ascending landscape.

A witness observed the aircraft banking to the left while traveling in a south-southwesterly direction over the water. During this flight phase, the nose of the airplane descended, and the aircraft nosed into the water.

The investigation

An examination of the wreckage was conducted to determine if any mechanical issues contributed to the accident. Investigators found no mechanical irregularity regarding the engine, the flight controls, or any other systems on the airplane.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1991-08-01 Cessna A185F accident near Amitchiak Lake, AK?

An aircraft crashed into Amitchiak Lake after the pilot performed a turn to avoid rising terrain during takeoff from a mountain valley.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1991-08-01 involved a Cessna A185F, registration N1687M, operated by Gaedeke, Bernd A., at Amitchiak Lake, AK.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO MAINTAIN THE AIRPLANE'S AIRSPEED ABOVE STALLING; THEREBY LOSING CONTROL. FACTORS CONTRIBUTING TO THE ACCIDENT WERE THE MOUNTAINOUS TERRAIN, THE MOUNTAIN WAVE, AND INSUFFICIENT ALTITUDE FROM WHICH TO RECOVER.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001212X17732. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.

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