Casualties unknown

1998-06-21: Cessna 185F (N80596) — Chitina, AK

Chitina, AK, US

On June 21, 1998, a Cessna 185F (registration N80596) was involved in an aviation accident near Chitina, AK. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's selection of unsuitable terrain for landing. Factors in the accident were uneven and soft terrain on the landing strip. 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

During landing on a remote airstrip with uneven and soft gravel and sand surfaces, an aircraft bounced into soft sand, causing the left main wheel ski to dig in and the plane to nose over. Damage occurred to the landing gear, fuselage, and wings.

Accident Details

The accident occurred during a landing on a remote airstrip adjacent to a lodge. The airstrip's surface consisted of a gravel bar and a sand bar, which were described as uneven and soft. As the airplane touched down and rolled along the airstrip, it encountered an uneven area of the gravel bar. This caused the aircraft to bounce, and it subsequently entered an area of soft sand.

During the landing roll, the tip of the left main wheel ski assembly dug into the ground. This action led to the airplane nosing over. The aircraft sustained damage to the main landing gear, the fuselage, and the wings.

Aircraft and Damage

The specific type of aircraft and its registration were not detailed in the report. However, the damage noted includes the main landing gear, fuselage, and wings. The left main wheel ski assembly was involved in the sequence of events.

Source Information

The information is based on the official accident investigation source, which states that the pilot was landing on a remote airstrip next to a lodge. The airstrip's surface conditions were a contributing factor in the accident, though no formal probable cause was assigned in the source.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001211X10217. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.