On August 30, 1992, a Cessna 185E (registration N3347L) operated by Gulf Air Taxi, Inc. was involved in an aviation accident near Yakutat, AK. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE PILOT IN COMMAND NOT MAINTAINING DIRECTIONAL CONTROL OF THE AIRPLANE. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
During a Part 135 sightseeing flight, the airplane veered sharply left after touchdown. The pilot suspected passenger rudder pedal interference, but the passenger denied it. Inspection revealed no anomalies.
Incident Details
The pilot in command of a 14 CFR Part 135 on-demand sightseeing flight reported that shortly after the main landing gear tires touched down on the runway surface, the airplane veered sharply to the left. Depressing the right rudder pedal and applying heavy braking to the right wheel had no noticeable effect on the directional control of the airplane.
Pilot and Passenger Statements
The pilot believed that the control difficulty may have been due to the unintentional depressing of the left rudder pedal by the passenger seated in the right front seat. However, the passenger denied this to be the case.
Post-Accident Inspection
A post-accident inspection of the airplane conducted by the operator found no difficulties with the airplane's flight and ground control directional systems.
Frequently asked questions
What happened in the 30 Aug 1992 Cessna 185E accident near Yakutat, AK?
During a Part 135 sightseeing flight, the airplane veered sharply left after touchdown. The pilot suspected passenger rudder pedal interference, but the passenger denied it. Inspection revealed no anomalies.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 30 Aug 1992 involved a Cessna 185E, registration N3347L, operated by Gulf Air Taxi, Inc., at Yakutat, AK.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
THE PILOT IN COMMAND NOT MAINTAINING DIRECTIONAL CONTROL OF THE AIRPLANE.
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