On October 3, 1996, a Cessna 185 (registration N185ND) was involved in an aviation accident near Finley, ND. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: failure of the flight instructor (CFI) to ensure that clearance from the dock was maintained, while starting to taxi. The crosswind was a related factor. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A flight instructor reported that a seaplane's horizontal stabilizer struck a dock after the water rudders were lowered during a departure in a right crosswind, with full left rudder ineffective.
Accident Sequence
The airplane was parked on the shore near a dock. The flight instructor (CFI) reported that after starting the engine, the airplane began to move forward. During this forward movement, the wing strut and wing cleared the dock safely. The instructor then began to lower the water rudders. As the water rudders were lowered, the tail of the airplane started moving towards the dock. A right crosswind was present during the departure. The instructor applied full left rudder with the water rudders partially extended, but this action was unable to stop the horizontal stabilizer from striking the dock.
Reported Conditions
The instructor reported that the right crosswind was a factor during the departure. The water rudders were partially extended at the time the rudder input was applied. Full left rudder deflection was attempted but did not prevent the horizontal stabilizer from contacting the dock.
Frequently asked questions
What happened in the 3 Oct 1996 Cessna 185 accident near Finley, ND?
A flight instructor reported that a seaplane's horizontal stabilizer struck a dock after the water rudders were lowered during a departure in a right crosswind, with full left rudder ineffective.
Were there any fatalities in the 3 Oct 1996 Cessna 185 accident?
No fatalities were recorded in this accident.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 3 Oct 1996 involved a Cessna 185, registration N185ND, at Finley, ND.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
failure of the flight instructor (CFI) to ensure that clearance from the dock was maintained, while starting to taxi. The crosswind was a related factor.
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