What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2002-09-01 involved a Cessna 185, registration N185CF, at Port Alsworth, AK.

Floatplane Collision with Mountain Terrain Following Downdraft (N185CF)

On September 1, 2002, a Cessna 185 (registration N185CF) was involved in an aviation accident near Port Alsworth, AK. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's inadequate evaluation of the area weather conditions, and his subsequent inability to maintain terrain clearance upon encountering a downdraft, which resulted in an in-flight collision with tree-covered mountainous 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 1781061362Data API Editorial standards

A private pilot departing from a remote lake in a float-equipped airplane encountered a violent downdraft while crossing a mountain saddle, resulting in a loss of altitude and collision with tree-covered terrain. The aircraft nosed over. The pilot did not obtain a weather briefing.

Accident Description

A private certificated pilot departed a remote lake in a float-equipped airplane, en route to another lake. The route of flight crossed a mountain saddle about 5 miles from the point of departure. After takeoff, the pilot reported that he gained sufficient altitude to clear the mountain saddle. As he crossed the saddle, the airplane encountered a violent downdraft that unexpectedly resulted in a loss of several hundred feet of altitude. The pilot stated he was unable to arrest the airplane's descent and maneuvered the airplane to avoid a low hill. The airplane subsequently collided with tree-covered terrain on the side of the mountain and then nosed over.

Weather Conditions

The pilot indicated he did not obtain a weather briefing. He reported that the weather conditions at the time included unlimited visibility, a temperature of 50 degrees Fahrenheit, a wind of 3 to 5 knots from the north, no precipitation, no turbulence, and little to no wind at the departure point. The area forecast indicated no significant turbulence. The closest official weather observation station was 14 miles away, and a METAR at that station reported: wind calm; visibility 20 statute miles in light rain; clouds and sky condition 3,000 feet broken, 5,500 feet overcast; altimeter 29.91 inHg.

Weather

2002-09-01: Cessna 185 (N185CF) — Port Alsworth, AK

Accident Description

Weather Conditions

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