Casualties unknown

1997-10-05: Cessna 185F (N17SR) — Oakland, CA

Oakland, CA, US

On October 5, 1997, a Cessna 185F (registration N17SR) was involved in an aviation accident near Oakland, CA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's inadequate compensation for the existing crosswind condition, which resulted in a loss of directional control. 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 1781061362Data APIEditorial standards

During takeoff on runway 33, a crosswind gust lifted the left wing, causing the right wing to strike the pavement. The aircraft departed the runway and came to rest nose down.

Incident Summary

A takeoff roll on runway 33 encountered a crosswind gust that disrupted the aircraft's stability. The pilot had lifted the tail when a gust from the left caused the left wing to rise, leading the right wing to contact the runway surface. The pilot reduced throttle, but the aircraft continued off the left side of the runway and stopped in a nose-down attitude.

Sequence of Events

During the initial takeoff roll, the pilot raised the tail of the aircraft. Shortly after, a crosswind gust impacted the aircraft, lifting the left wing off the ground. As a result, the right wing struck the pavement. The pilot responded by pulling back on the throttle, but the aircraft could not be kept on the runway. It departed the left side of the runway and came to rest with the nose down.

Environmental Conditions

At the time of the incident, the wind was reported as 290 degrees at 13 knots. This crosswind component likely affected the aircraft's handling during the takeoff roll.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001208X09052. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.