1998-04-03: Cessna 185F — North Quest Aviation — Coldfoot, AK

Casualties unknown • Coldfoot, AK, US

Probable cause

The pilot's selection of unsuitable terrain for takeoff. Soft, snow covered terrain was a factor in the accident.

— NTSB Determination

Accident narrative

The pilot, and two passengers, were taxiing for takeoff in a wheel/ski equipped, tailwheel airplane. The flight was a VFR air taxi flight from a remote lake. The landing/departure area was about 3,500 feet long, and covered by soft snow. As the pilot began to taxi, he noticed the snow was softer than anticipated, so he began several taxi runs to pack down the snow for takeoff. During a turn, the right ski encountered soft snow and sank. The right wing struck the snow, and the airplane nosed over. The airplane received damage to the right wing, and propeller.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1998-04-03 Cessna 185F accident near Coldfoot, AK?

The pilot, and two passengers, were taxiing for takeoff in a wheel/ski equipped, tailwheel airplane. The flight was a VFR air taxi flight from a remote lake. The landing/departure area was about 3,500 feet long, and covered by soft snow. As the pilot began to taxi, he noticed the snow was softer than anticipated, so…

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1998-04-03 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.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001211X09790. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.

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