Casualties unknown

2002-06-08: Cessna 185 (N749) — U.s. Fish And Wildlife Service — Kaktovik, AK

Kaktovik, AK, US

On June 8, 2002, a Cessna 185 (registration N749) operated by U.s. Fish And Wildlife Service was involved in an aviation accident near Kaktovik, AK. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's inadequate evaluation of the weather conditions during landing at a remote lake, resulting in a downwind landing. Factors contributing to the accident were the presence of a tailwind, and an icy lake surface. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 6 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 1781061362Data APIEditorial standards

A commercial pilot landing a wheel/ski-equipped airplane on an ice-covered lake experienced a slide toward open water; during a left turn with power, the right wing and elevator struck the ice, damaging the right wingtip, aileron, and elevator.

Incident Overview

A commercial certificated pilot was concluding a public use caribou tracking flight when he landed a wheel/ski-equipped airplane on a remote ice-covered lake. The pilot estimated about 1,500 feet of usable landing area. He landed toward the west with the skis extended, but the airplane began sliding on the icy surface toward an area of open water along the lake's shore.

Maneuver and Impact

In response to the slide, the pilot initiated a left turn and applied engine power. During this maneuver, the airplane's right wing and right elevator struck the ice. The impact resulted in damage to the right wingtip, right aileron, and right elevator.

Post-Landing Conditions

After landing, the pilot discovered that the wind was from the east at about 7 knots. No other factors were reported in the source.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20020612X00863. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.