Casualties unknown

1993-05-31: Cessna A185F (N333DG) — Doug Geeting Aviation — Kahiltna Glacie, AK

Kahiltna Glacie, AK, US

On May 31, 1993, a Cessna A185F (registration N333DG) operated by Doug Geeting Aviation was involved in an aviation accident near Kahiltna Glacie, AK. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE PILOT-IN-COMMAND NOT MAINTAINING DIRECTIONAL CONTROL. A FACTOR IS THE ROUGH CONDITION OF THE GLACIER AIRSTRIP. 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.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 1781061362Data APIEditorial standards

A pilot repositioning an airplane on a glacier performed a 360-degree turn during takeoff, then continued, but a second sharp turn caused the right wing to strike the glacier.

Incident Overview

During a repositioning flight on a glacier, a pilot initiated a takeoff run down a slope. According to a passenger, the pilot stated that once the takeoff was started, there was no stopping. The airplane then performed a sharp left 360-degree turn, re-aligned with the takeoff path, and continued. Shortly after, the airplane executed another sharp left turn, during which the right wing struck the glacier surface.

Sequence of Events

The pilot reported that the purpose of the flight was to reposition the airplane to another takeoff area. A passenger recounted that the pilot informed them that once the takeoff roll began, it could not be aborted. The takeoff run proceeded down the glacier slope. The airplane then made a sharp left turn, completing a full 360-degree rotation, and lined up again on the takeoff path. The airplane continued its takeoff roll but subsequently made another sharp left turn. During this second turn, the right wing made contact with the glacier, resulting in damage to the aircraft.

Initial Findings

No further details about the aircraft type, registration, number of occupants, or extent of damage have been reported. The investigation is ongoing.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001211X12276. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.