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Pilot Reports Tailwind Shift During Soft Field Takeoff (N185MP)

Cascade, ID, US

On May 5, 1996, a Cessna A185E (registration N185MP) was involved in an aviation accident near Cascade, ID. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: the pilot's improper planning/decision, his failure to ensure that the airplane would maintain proper clearance from obstructions (trees), and his delay in aborting the takeoff. The soft/wet runway and tailwind were related factors. 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

A pilot reported that during a soft field takeoff from a wet grass strip, a wind shift to a tailwind caused a 10-knot airspeed loss, leading to an aborted takeoff after striking trees.

Accident Details

The pilot of an airplane initiated a soft field takeoff on a wet and soft grass strip. After lifting off, the pilot leveled the airplane at 10 feet above ground level to increase speed. During this phase, the wind shifted to a tailwind, causing the airspeed to drop by 10 knots. The airplane was unable to clear small trees at the end of the runway. The pilot aborted the takeoff after colliding with the first trees. The airplane subsequently landed approximately 300 feet from the end of the runway.

Pilot's Account

The pilot reported that the takeoff was performed under soft field conditions due to the wet and soft grass. The decision to level off at 10 feet was intended to accelerate. The wind shift to a tailwind resulted in a significant loss of airspeed. The presence of small trees at the runway's end prevented a successful climb, leading to the collision and abort. The landing occurred beyond the runway, 300 feet from its end.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 5 May 1996 Cessna A185E accident near Cascade, ID?

A pilot reported that during a soft field takeoff from a wet grass strip, a wind shift to a tailwind caused a 10-knot airspeed loss, leading to an aborted takeoff after striking trees.

Were there any fatalities in the 5 May 1996 Cessna A185E accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 5 May 1996 involved a Cessna A185E, registration N185MP, at Cascade, ID.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

the pilot's improper planning/decision, his failure to ensure that the airplane would maintain proper clearance from obstructions (trees), and his delay in aborting the takeoff. The soft/wet runway and tailwind were related factors.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001208X05869. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.