On April 3, 1998, a Cessna 185F (registration N1205F) operated by North Quest Aviation was involved in an aviation accident near Coldfoot, AK. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's selection of unsuitable terrain for takeoff. Soft, snow covered terrain was a factor in the accident. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
During taxi for takeoff from a soft snow-covered lake, a tailwheel airplane with wheel/ski gear nosed over when the right ski sank into soft snow, causing the right wing to strike the snow. The airplane sustained damage to the right wing and propeller.
Accident Details
The accident involved a wheel/ski-equipped tailwheel airplane conducting a visual flight rules (VFR) air taxi flight from a remote lake. The airplane was occupied by the pilot and two passengers.
Sequence of Events
The landing and departure area was approximately 3,500 feet long and covered with soft snow. As the pilot began to taxi, he observed that the snow was softer than anticipated. To improve conditions for takeoff, he performed several taxi runs to pack down the snow. During one of these turns, the right ski encountered soft snow and sank. Subsequently, the right wing struck the snow surface, causing the airplane to nose over.
Damage
The airplane sustained damage to the right wing and propeller.
Frequently asked questions
What happened in the 3 Apr 1998 Cessna 185F accident near Coldfoot, AK?
During taxi for takeoff from a soft snow-covered lake, a tailwheel airplane with wheel/ski gear nosed over when the right ski sank into soft snow, causing the right wing to strike the snow. The airplane sustained damage to the right wing and propeller.
Were there any fatalities in the 3 Apr 1998 Cessna 185F accident?
No fatalities were recorded in this accident.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 3 Apr 1998 involved a Cessna 185F, registration N1205F, operated by North Quest Aviation, at Coldfoot, AK.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The pilot's selection of unsuitable terrain for takeoff. Soft, snow covered terrain was a factor in the accident.
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