Casualties unknown

1998-11-02: Cessna 185E (N185Z) — Tucson, AZ

Tucson, AZ, US

On November 2, 1998, a Cessna 185E (registration N185Z) was involved in an aviation accident near Tucson, AZ. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Failure of the pilot to properly secure the seat which subsequently slid back on the takeoff roll and lead to the pilot's loss of aircraft control. 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 takeoff, the pilot's seat slid back, causing an abrupt left turn. The pilot attempted to adjust the seat but was unsuccessful, then retarded the throttle. The aircraft ground-looped before stopping. Seat mechanisms were stiff but no deficiencies found.

Incident Overview

On the takeoff roll, the pilot's seat slid backward. This caused the aircraft to make an abrupt turn to the left while the pilot was attempting to move the seat back into its proper position. After an unsuccessful attempt to adjust the seat, the pilot retarded the throttle, and the aircraft came to a stop following a ground loop.

Post-Incident Inspection

Following the incident, the seats were inspected and found to be stiff and difficult to move fore and aft. The seat rails and latching mechanisms were also inspected, and no deficiencies were noted.

Event Sequence

The sequence began with the seat sliding back unexpectedly during takeoff. The pilot's subsequent efforts to reposition the seat coincided with a left turn that became uncontrolled. Throttle reduction and the ground loop ended the takeoff attempt.

Mechanical Assessment

The stiffness of the seat movement was identified but the inspection of the rail and latching systems revealed no mechanical faults. The exact reason for the seat sliding back was not determined from the available information.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001211X11451. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.