1996-07-30: Cessna 180 — MC Carthy, AK

Casualties unknown • MC Carthy, AK, US

Probable cause

The pilot's inadequate weather evaluation, and his inadvertent flight into instrument meteorological conditions.

— NTSB Determination

Accident narrative

The air taxi pilot related he was flying a company airplane on a personal flight in a mountain pass when the weather began to deteriorate. This was the pilot's third flight of the day in the same pass. He said he turned the airplane around in an attempt to exit the pass, but the clouds had lowered and he could no longer see the exit to the pass. He elected to make a precautionary landing on the tundra in lieu of attempting to continue the flight through the pass. The main landing gear separated from the airplane during the landing.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1996-07-30 Cessna 180 accident near MC Carthy, AK?

The air taxi pilot related he was flying a company airplane on a personal flight in a mountain pass when the weather began to deteriorate. This was the pilot's third flight of the day in the same pass. He said he turned the airplane around in an attempt to exit the pass, but the clouds had lowered and he could no…

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1996-07-30 involved a Cessna 180, registration N1746C, at MC Carthy, AK.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's inadequate weather evaluation, and his inadvertent flight into instrument meteorological conditions.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001208X06144. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.

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