On October 31, 1997, a Cessna 185F (registration N61500) was involved in an aviation accident near Barrow, AK. 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.
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.