On December 12, 1994, a Cessna 185 (registration N4552F) was involved in an aviation accident near Takotna, AK. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE PILOT'S INADEQUATE PREFLIGHT PLANNING FOR THE DEPARTURE. A SNOW COVERED RUNWAY, FLAT LIGHTING CONDITIONS, AND A SNOWBANK WERE FACTORS IN THE ACCIDENT. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A charter flight with two passengers struck a snow berm and trees during takeoff from a remote, snow-covered runway. Flat lighting conditions hindered visibility. The airplane was consumed by post-crash fire.
Accident Summary
A pilot was conducting an on-demand charter flight from a remote airport, with two passengers aboard. The runway, 1,717 feet in length, was covered with 4 to 5 inches of snow. Snow banks lined the edges and ends of the runway.
Accident Details
The pilot initiated the takeoff roll and lifted off approximately halfway down the runway. Flat lighting conditions made it difficult to distinguish the runway boundaries from the surrounding terrain. The airplane then settled back onto the runway near the departure end and struck a 2-foot-high snow berm at the runway's end. Subsequently, the airplane descended toward lower terrain beyond the departure end and collided with several trees.
Post-Crash Fire
A fire broke out after the collision and consumed the airplane.
Frequently asked questions
What happened in the 12 Dec 1994 Cessna 185 accident near Takotna, AK?
A charter flight with two passengers struck a snow berm and trees during takeoff from a remote, snow-covered runway. Flat lighting conditions hindered visibility. The airplane was consumed by post-crash fire.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 12 Dec 1994 involved a Cessna 185, registration N4552F, at Takotna, AK.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
THE PILOT'S INADEQUATE PREFLIGHT PLANNING FOR THE DEPARTURE. A SNOW COVERED RUNWAY, FLAT LIGHTING CONDITIONS, AND A SNOWBANK WERE FACTORS IN THE ACCIDENT.
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