On July 24, 2006, a Cessna 185 (registration N477G) was involved in an aviation accident near Cove, OR. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control during the takeoff roll. Factors include wet grass and trees. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A pilot reported drifting left on wet grass during takeoff at Minam Lodge Airport, with left wing contacting brush and aspen trees.
Incident
A pilot reported that during a takeoff roll at Minam Lodge Airport (7OR0), the aircraft began to drift left after reaching approximately 40 miles per hour. The runway surface was wet grass, and the pilot stated that there was no rudder control and no braking effectiveness on the wet surface. The pilot reduced power and applied right brake, but the left wing contacted small brush and aspen trees. The pilot had initially lined up to the left of the runway centerline to mitigate a right dogleg in the runway about 500 feet from the start.
Airport Information
Minam Lodge Airport is located in mountainous terrain within the Eagle Cap Wilderness Area. The airport elevation is 3,589 feet above sea level. It has a single turf runway measuring 2,000 feet in length and 40 feet in width.
Frequently asked questions
What happened in the 24 Jul 2006 Cessna 185 accident near Cove, OR?
A pilot reported drifting left on wet grass during takeoff at Minam Lodge Airport, with left wing contacting brush and aspen trees.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 24 Jul 2006 involved a Cessna 185, registration N477G, at Cove, OR.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control during the takeoff roll. Factors include wet grass and trees.
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