Casualties unknown

Light aircraft flips after leaving runway during takeoff (N185S)

Cut Bank, MT, US

On July 16, 2004, a Cessna A185F (registration N185S) was involved in an aviation accident near Cut Bank, MT. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the takeoff roll. 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 2026-06-21Data APIEditorial standards

A pilot reported that the airplane quickly departed the left side of the runway and flipped onto its back during the takeoff roll on runway 23, with light winds favoring the direction.

What happened

The accident occurred while the aircraft was conducting a takeoff operation. According to the written statement provided by the pilot, the airplane departed the left side of the runway during the initial phase of the takeoff roll. The aircraft subsequently flipped onto its back.

The pilot indicated that the wind conditions at the time of the incident were favorable for departure on runway 23. The estimated wind speed was reported to be six knots. The pilot was actively engaged in the takeoff procedure on runway 23 when the loss of control and subsequent flip took place.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 16 Jul 2004 Cessna A185F accident near Cut Bank, MT?

A pilot reported that the airplane quickly departed the left side of the runway and flipped onto its back during the takeoff roll on runway 23, with light winds favoring the direction.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 16 Jul 2004 involved a Cessna A185F, registration N185S, at Cut Bank, MT.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the takeoff roll.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20040810X01179. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.