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Ski-Equipped Airplane Collides with River Bank During Aborted Takeoff (N61500)

Barrow, AK, US

On October 31, 1997, a Cessna 185F (registration N61500) was involved in an aviation accident near Barrow, AK. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's selection of unsuitable terrain for takeoff, and his delay in aborting the takeoff. A factor in the accident was the presence of gravel/sand in the takeoff area. 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 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

A wheel/ski-equipped airplane on an air taxi flight aborted takeoff after skis encountered sandy surface, overran airstrip onto frozen river, and collided with river bank, causing damage to landing gear and wings.

Incident Details

A wheel/ski-equipped airplane was departing a remote camp airstrip on an air taxi flight with a pilot and sole passenger onboard. The airstrip was 1,200 feet long, and the pilot had calculated a required takeoff distance of 800 feet. During the takeoff run in an uphill direction, the airplane's skis encountered sandy surface conditions, and the airplane did not accelerate as anticipated. The takeoff run continued beyond the end of the runway onto the frozen surface of a river.

Pilot's Actions and Collision

The pilot decided to abort the takeoff and closed the throttle. The airplane subsequently collided with the river bank. As a result of the collision, the airplane sustained damage to its landing gear and wings.

Aircraft Damage

The landing gear and wings were damaged in the collision with the river bank. No other damage was reported in the source.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 31 Oct 1997 Cessna 185F accident near Barrow, AK?

A wheel/ski-equipped airplane on an air taxi flight aborted takeoff after skis encountered sandy surface, overran airstrip onto frozen river, and collided with river bank, causing damage to landing gear and wings.

Were there any fatalities in the 31 Oct 1997 Cessna 185F accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 31 Oct 1997 involved a Cessna 185F, registration N61500, at Barrow, AK.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's selection of unsuitable terrain for takeoff, and his delay in aborting the takeoff. A factor in the accident was the presence of gravel/sand in the takeoff area.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001208X08948. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.