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Tailwheel Airplane Snags Fishing Ropes During Beach Takeoff, Noses Over (N2217T)

Dillingham, AK, US

On June 18, 2006, a Cessna 185 (registration N2217T) operated by James A. Libby was involved in an aviation accident near Dillingham, AK. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's selection of unsuitable terrain for takeoff, which resulted in the airplane's tailwheel snagging a rope during the takeoff run, and subsequent in-flight collision with 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 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

A commercial pilot departing from a beach in a tailwheel airplane experienced a tailwheel snag on set-net ropes, causing the airplane to pitch down, collide with the ground, and nose over, resulting in structural damage.

Accident Details

A commercial certificated pilot was departing from a beach in a tailwheel-equipped airplane on a personal flight under Title 14, CFR Part 91. The pilot stated that the beach was an area he used for set-net fishing. He initiated the takeoff run between a creek and set-net ropes lying on the beach, covering a distance of about 550 feet.

Sequence of Events

The airplane lifted off and climbed to approximately 10 feet. At that point, the pilot reported feeling a tug on the tail of the airplane and realized that the tailwheel had snagged one of the ropes. Subsequently, the airplane pitched nose down, collided with the ground, and nosed over.

Damage Assessment

The accident resulted in structural damage to the wings and vertical stabilizer of the airplane.

Pilot Observations

After the accident, the pilot noted that when the tailwheel snagged the first rope, it pulled an adjacent rope upward, which then snagged the main landing gear.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 18 Jun 2006 Cessna 185 accident near Dillingham, AK?

A commercial pilot departing from a beach in a tailwheel airplane experienced a tailwheel snag on set-net ropes, causing the airplane to pitch down, collide with the ground, and nose over, resulting in structural damage.

Were there any fatalities in the 18 Jun 2006 Cessna 185 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 18 Jun 2006 involved a Cessna 185, registration N2217T, operated by James A. Libby, at Dillingham, AK.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's selection of unsuitable terrain for takeoff, which resulted in the airplane's tailwheel snagging a rope during the takeoff run, and subsequent in-flight collision with terrain. A factor contributing to the accident was a rope that was positioned across the departure path.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20060629X00857. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.