1996-10-03: Cessna 185 — Finley, ND

Casualties unknown • Finley, ND, US

Probable cause

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.

— NTSB Determination

Accident narrative

The airplane was parked on shore near a dock. The flight instructor (CFI) reported that after starting the engine, the airplane began to move forward, and the wing strut and wing cleared the dock. After the wing cleared the dock, the instructor began to lower the water rudders, and the tail of the airplane began moving toward the dock. A right crosswind was present during the departure from the shore. The instructor reported that full left rudder with the water rudders partially extended was ineffective in stopping the horizontal stabilizer of the airplane from hitting the dock.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1996-10-03 Cessna 185 accident near Finley, ND?

The airplane was parked on shore near a dock. The flight instructor (CFI) reported that after starting the engine, the airplane began to move forward, and the wing strut and wing cleared the dock. After the wing cleared the dock, the instructor began to lower the water rudders, and the tail of the airplane began…

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1996-10-03 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.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001208X06848. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.

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