Aircraft excursion during takeoff at private airstrip

Casualties unknown • Cody, WY, US

A pilot lost directional control during a takeoff roll at a private airstrip, resulting in the aircraft drifting off the runway and sustaining structural damage.

What happened

The pilot arrived at a private airstrip, landing to the west on a steep downhill portion of the runway. To bring the aircraft to a stop, the pilot utilized moderate braking. After landing, the pilot backtaxied to load passengers and baggage, then performed a further backtaxi to position for takeoff.

During the subsequent takeoff roll to the west, the pilot was unable to maintain directional control using left rudder and braking. The main wheels drifted off the right edge of the runway onto the softer shoulders, where the pilot noted the right main wheel experienced more drag than the left. The pilot attempted to abort the takeoff, but the aircraft could not be stopped before it tipped to the left. The incident resulted in damage to the left wingtip and the horizontal stabilizer.

At the time of the event, the wind was reported as being from the west at 5 knots, gusting to 10 knots, though it had shifted to the northeast.

Probable cause

The pilot's inability to maintain directional control during the takeoff roll, leading to the aircraft drifting off the runway onto softer ground.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1996-08-15 Cessna A185E accident near Cody, WY?

A pilot lost directional control during a takeoff roll at a private airstrip, resulting in the aircraft drifting off the runway and sustaining structural damage.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1996-08-15 involved a Cessna A185E, registration N185K, operated by Spirit Mountain Aviation LC, at Cody, WY.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's inability to maintain directional control during the takeoff roll, leading to the aircraft drifting off the runway onto softer ground.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001208X06629. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.

Loading the flight search…