1994-09-07: Cessna A185F — Karlee Leasing, Inc. — Conrad, MT

Casualties unknown • Conrad, MT, US

Probable cause

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.

— NTSB Determination

Accident narrative

THE 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. 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. THE LEFT MAIN GEAR COLLAPSED. AN EXAMINATION OF THE AIRPLANE REVEALED THAT THE RUDDER PEDALS FOR THE RIGHT SEAT HAD BEEN STOWED, AND THIS WAS NOT DETECTED BY THE CFI PRIOR TO THE TAKEOFF ROLL.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1994-09-07 Cessna A185F accident near Conrad, MT?

THE 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. THE CERTIFIED FLIGHT INSTRUCTOR (CFI) ATTEMPTED TO TAKE REMEDIAL ACTION BY USING THE RUDDER PEDALS, BUT THEY WERE INOPERATIVE. THE AIRPLANE CONTINUED TO DRIFT…

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1994-09-07 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.

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.

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