Casualties unknown

1998-05-29: Cessna 185 (N4761Q) — Kotzebue, AK

Kotzebue, AK, US

On May 29, 1998, a Cessna 185 (registration N4761Q) was involved in an aviation accident near Kotzebue, AK. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The instructor pilot's inadequate compensation for wind conditions. A factor associated with this accident was a downdraft prior to touchdown. 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

A flight instructor and commercial pilot conducting recurrent training landed short in a river after encountering a downdraft on approach to a sand bar. The airplane came to rest inverted in three feet of water.

Incident Overview

A flight instructor was providing instruction and recurrent training to a commercial pilot when the accident occurred. According to the instructor, two prior landings on the same sand bar had been completed successfully. During the third approach, conducted to the south with the commercial pilot at the controls, the airplane encountered a downdraft and touched down in a river short of the intended landing point.

Final Resting Position

The airplane came to rest upside down in approximately three feet of water. Both pilots reported that the wind at the time was from 180 degrees at 10 knots. No further details about the aircraft type, registration, or operator were provided in the source.

Pilot Information

The first pilot held a certificated flight instructor rating, while the second pilot was a certificated commercial pilot. The flight was described as instructional, incorporating recurrent training elements. The instructor noted that the two earlier landings on the same sand bar had been executed without incident.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001211X09982. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.