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Inoperative Right-Seat Rudder Pedals During Dual Instruction Lead to Runway Excursion (N5387H)

Conrad, MT, US

On September 7, 1994, a Cessna A185F (registration N5387H) operated by Karlee Leasing, Inc. was involved in an aviation accident near Conrad, MT. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE CFI'S FAILURE TO ASSURE AN ADEQUATE INSPECTION OF THE AIRCRAFT, INCLUDING THE PROPER ENGAGEMENT AND FUNCTION OF THE RUDDER PEDALS, PRIOR TO THE FLIGHT. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

During a student's third tail wheel flight, the CFI's rudder pedals were stowed and inoperative. The airplane drifted off the runway onto rough terrain, collapsing the left main gear.

Accident Overview

A dual student was receiving instruction for his third flight in a tail wheel airplane. During the takeoff roll, the airplane began to drift off the runway surface. The certified flight instructor (CFI) attempted to take remedial action by using the rudder pedals, but they were inoperative. The airplane continued to drift off the runway and onto rough terrain, where the left main gear collapsed.

Sequence of Events

After the accident, an examination of the airplane revealed that the rudder pedals for the right seat had been stowed. The CFI had not detected this condition prior to the takeoff roll. The stowed pedals prevented the CFI from applying rudder input to correct the drift.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 7 Sept 1994 Cessna A185F accident near Conrad, MT?

During a student's third tail wheel flight, the CFI's rudder pedals were stowed and inoperative. The airplane drifted off the runway onto rough terrain, collapsing the left main gear.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 7 Sept 1994 involved a Cessna A185F, registration N5387H, operated by Karlee Leasing, Inc., at Conrad, MT.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

THE CFI'S FAILURE TO ASSURE AN ADEQUATE INSPECTION OF THE AIRCRAFT, INCLUDING THE PROPER ENGAGEMENT AND FUNCTION OF THE RUDDER PEDALS, PRIOR TO THE FLIGHT.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001206X02356. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.