2004-07-24: Cessna A185F — Mariani Nut Company, Inc. — Gridley, CA

Casualties unknown • Gridley, CA, US

Probable cause

The pilot's improper use of the rudder to correct for torque and P-factor effects and failure to maintain obstacle clearance.

— NTSB Determination

Accident narrative

The airplane veered left until impacting nearby trees seconds after taking off from an airstrip. The pilot had previously departed from the 1,800-foot-long private airstrip, but this was his first departure from the airstrip in the Cessna A185F, which has a 300-horsepower engine. No anomalies were detected with the airplane during the pilot's preflight inspection. The pilot indicated that during the initial climb in the calm wind, he had inadequately applied corrective rudder to compensate for the airplane's left turning tendency (also known as torque/P-factor).

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2004-07-24 Cessna A185F accident near Gridley, CA?

The airplane veered left until impacting nearby trees seconds after taking off from an airstrip. The pilot had previously departed from the 1,800-foot-long private airstrip, but this was his first departure from the airstrip in the Cessna A185F, which has a 300-horsepower engine. No anomalies were detected with the…

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2004-07-24 involved a Cessna A185F, registration N93DM, operated by Mariani Nut Company, Inc., at Gridley, CA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's improper use of the rudder to correct for torque and P-factor effects and failure to maintain obstacle clearance.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20040816X01231. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.

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