Casualties unknown

Pilot's Decision Not to Remove Frost Leads to Takeoff Accident (N5036U)

Bradley Lake, AK, US

On February 20, 1993, a Cessna 206 (registration N5036U) operated by South Central Air was involved in an aviation accident near Bradley Lake, AK. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE PILOT IN COMMAND NOT REMOVING THE FROST FROM THE PLANE'S AIRFOIL SURFACES BEFORE TAKEOFF AND NOT ABORTING THE TAKEOFF WHEN THE AIRPLANE SHOWED NO SIGN OF WANTING TO FLY AT THE INITIAL ROTATION POINT/AIRSPEED. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 11 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

A pilot chose not to remove frost from the airplane's surfaces during preflight, believing it insufficient to affect performance. During takeoff, the airplane failed to lift off, resulting in a runway excursion and collision with a fence and terrain.

Preflight Decision

The pilot reported that during the preflight inspection, he decided not to polish or remove the frost from the airfoil surfaces. He stated that he did not believe the frost was heavy or coarse enough to have any consequence on the takeoff performance of the airplane.

Takeoff Attempts

On the takeoff roll, after traveling halfway down the 2,000-foot airstrip, the pilot initiated rotation for liftoff. However, the airplane remained on the runway. The pilot described the sensation as "the airplane felt like it was stuck to the runway."

A second attempt to get the airplane to fly was made immediately. The airplane may have reached an altitude of one to two feet before settling back onto the runway.

Abort Decision

In anticipation of aborting the takeoff, the pilot reduced engine power. He quickly changed his mind because approximately 500 feet of runway remained, and he did not believe there was sufficient room to safely stop the airplane.

Runway Excursion

The airplane departed the end of the airstrip at about 85 knots. It struck a threshold light, then attained an altitude of approximately three feet before colliding with a perimeter fence and rock-covered terrain.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001211X11770. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.