On August 17, 2000, a Cessna 185 (registration N1205F) was involved in an aviation accident near Kaktovik, AK. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during takeoff after striking a rut on the gravel airstrip. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A pilot lost control while accelerating for takeoff on a short gravel airstrip, striking a rut that caused the aircraft to swerve off the surface and nosed over.
What happened
The pilot reported initiating the takeoff roll on a gravel airstrip measuring 2,000 feet in length and 50 feet in width. During acceleration, the airplane encountered a rut in the runway surface. This impact caused the aircraft to swerve sharply to the left, leading it to depart the edge of the airstrip. The uncontrolled departure resulted in the airplane nosing over.
The investigation
Post-accident examination revealed substantial damage to the airframe. The wreckage inspection confirmed significant structural compromise to both wings and the vertical stabilizer, consistent with the reported nose-over event.
Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during takeoff after striking a rut on the gravel airstrip.