On September 20, 1993, a Cessna 180A (registration N9600B) operated by Cunningham, Raymond E. was involved in an aviation accident near Charlie Lake, AK. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's inadvertent pulling of the propeller control knob instead of the throttle control knob, which resulted in insufficient power for takeoff and subsequent collision with the lake edge and tundra. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A pilot aborted a takeoff attempt after realizing insufficient runway remained, having mistakenly pulled the propeller control instead of the throttle.
What happened
The pilot was preparing for takeoff in a floatplane when he recognized that the aircraft would not achieve flight before reaching the end of the lake. During this critical phase, he inadvertently manipulated the wrong control knob, pulling the propeller control backward instead of advancing the throttle. The aircraft subsequently struck the edge of the water and moved onto the adjacent tundra terrain.
The investigation
A review of the physical evidence confirmed that the aircraft sustained substantial damage during the incident. The primary mechanical failure was attributed to pilot error, specifically the confusion between the propeller control knob and the throttle control knob.
Probable cause
The pilot's inadvertent pulling of the propeller control knob instead of the throttle control knob, which resulted in insufficient power for takeoff and subsequent collision with the lake edge and tundra.
Frequently asked questions
What happened in the 20 Sept 1993 Cessna 180A accident near Charlie Lake, AK?
A pilot aborted a takeoff attempt after realizing insufficient runway remained, having mistakenly pulled the propeller control instead of the throttle.
Were there any fatalities in the 20 Sept 1993 Cessna 180A accident?
No fatalities were recorded in this accident.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 20 Sept 1993 involved a Cessna 180A, registration N9600B, operated by Cunningham, Raymond E., at Charlie Lake, AK.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The pilot's inadvertent pulling of the propeller control knob instead of the throttle control knob, which resulted in insufficient power for takeoff and subsequent collision with the lake edge and tundra.
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