On July 24, 2004, a Cessna A185F (registration N93DM) operated by Mariani Nut Company, Inc. was involved in an aviation accident near Gridley, CA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's inadequate application of corrective rudder to compensate for the airplane's left turning tendency during initial climb. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A Cessna A185F veered left and struck trees shortly after takeoff from a 1,800-foot private airstrip. The pilot, on his first departure in this aircraft, reported inadequate rudder application to counter left-turning tendencies.
The Accident
A Cessna A185F impacted trees soon after lifting off from a private airstrip. According to reports, the airplane veered to the left during the initial climb and struck nearby trees. The pilot had previously operated from the 1,800-foot strip but this was his first departure from it in the Cessna A185F, which is equipped with a 300-horsepower engine.
Preflight and Conditions
The pilot conducted a preflight inspection before the flight and noted no anomalies with the airplane. Weather conditions at the time included calm winds. No other environmental factors were mentioned in the description of the event.
Pilot's Account
After the accident, the pilot stated that during the initial climb he had inadequately applied corrective rudder to compensate for the airplane's left turning tendency, which is commonly referred to as torque or P-factor. No additional details about the aircraft damage or pilot condition were provided in the source.
Probable cause
The pilot's inadequate application of corrective rudder to compensate for the airplane's left turning tendency during initial climb.