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Cessna 185 Accident During Maneuver Near Trees (N9982X)

Big Lake, AK, US

On June 18, 1998, a Cessna 185 (registration N9982X) was involved in an aviation accident near Big Lake, AK. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's performance of a low level maneuver. Factors were the pilot's overconfidence in his personal ability, his lack of experience in the type of airplane, and his failure to maintain adequate clearance from terrain. 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

Witnesses observed a Cessna 185 enter a steep right bank at 300 feet, reverse direction, and level out before striking trees. No preimpact mechanical anomalies were found. The pilot had recently moved to Alaska and had six hours of experience in the aircraft.

Accident Overview

Witnesses reported seeing the airplane entering a steep right bank toward them from level flight about 300 feet above the ground. A commercial pilot witness in the group estimated the bank to be 120 degrees. The airplane reversed direction and leveled out prior to striking trees.

Aircraft and Pilot Information

The airplane was a Cessna 185 equipped with floats and a 300 horsepower engine. Postaccident inspection disclosed no evidence of preimpact mechanical anomalies with the airplane. The pilot had moved to Alaska within the previous two weeks and was described by his employer as excited to learn to be a bush pilot. He had accumulated six hours of experience with the owner in the same aircraft, all within the previous week.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 18 Jun 1998 Cessna 185 accident near Big Lake, AK?

Witnesses observed a Cessna 185 enter a steep right bank at 300 feet, reverse direction, and level out before striking trees. No preimpact mechanical anomalies were found. The pilot had recently moved to Alaska and had six hours of experience in the aircraft.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 18 Jun 1998 involved a Cessna 185, registration N9982X, at Big Lake, AK.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's performance of a low level maneuver. Factors were the pilot's overconfidence in his personal ability, his lack of experience in the type of airplane, and his failure to maintain adequate clearance from terrain.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001211X10201. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.