Casualties unknown

1994-12-23: Cessna A185F (N8389Q) — Erie, CO

Erie, CO, US

On December 23, 1994, a Cessna A185F (registration N8389Q) was involved in an aviation accident near Erie, CO. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO MAINTAIN AIRSPEED RESULTING IN THE INADVERTENT STALL. 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 1781061362Data APIEditorial standards

During takeoff, the aircraft failed to maintain a climb, bouncing multiple times before exiting the runway and coming to rest on a taxiway, according to pilot and passenger reports.

Event Description

The incident occurred during a takeoff attempt. The aircraft, while accelerating for departure, did not achieve a sustained climb. Instead, it remained low and subsequently contacted the runway, initiating a series of bounces. The pilot reported that the airplane bounced several times along the runway length. During these bounces, directional control was lost. The aircraft then left the runway surface and traveled onto a taxiway, where it came to a stop.

Pilot's Report

The pilot stated that the aircraft would not maintain a climb during the takeoff phase. The airplane made contact with the runway after the initial lift-off, resulting in multiple bounces. The pilot further noted that he lost directional control of the aircraft. The airplane exited the runway and eventually stopped on a taxiway.

Witness Accounts

Several witnesses observed the aircraft in a nose-high attitude. They reported that from this attitude, the airplane descended until it struck the ground.

Passenger Account

A passenger reported a specific detail: after the last bounce, the nose of the airplane dropped, and the aircraft contacted the runway in a nose-down attitude.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001206X02728. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.