On March 9, 2003, a Cessna 185 (registration N1613M) was involved in an aviation accident near Galena, AK. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The failure of the airplane to climb after takeoff which resulted in an in-flight collision with terrain during an aborted landing attempt. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A commercial pilot aborted a takeoff after the airplane failed to climb above 50 feet. The left main landing gear collapsed on landing, causing the airplane to veer into snow-covered terrain.
Incident Summary
A commercial pilot initiated an intersection departure. During the climb, the airplane ceased climbing when it reached approximately 50 feet above the runway surface. The pilot observed that the engine appeared to be producing full power, yet the airplane did not continue to gain altitude. As the airplane approached the runway end, the pilot closed the engine throttle to abort the takeoff and attempt to land on the remaining runway. The airplane began to descend. Upon touchdown, the left main landing gear collapsed. Subsequently, the left wing struck the runway, and the airplane veered off the left side into an area of snow-covered terrain. The accident resulted in substantial damage to the fuselage and left wing.
Examination
An Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) aviation safety inspector examined the airplane following the accident. The inspector reported that no preaccident mechanical anomalies were found in the airframe or engine. The propeller assembly had been removed prior to the inspector's arrival. Under the direction of the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) Investigator-in-Charge, the propeller assembly was disassembled and inspected. No preimpact mechanical anomalies were identified during this examination.