On May 28, 2007, a Cessna 185 (registration N9434N) was involved in an aviation accident near Wilbur, WA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: In-flight collision with terrain shortly after takeoff for undetermined reasons. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
Following an undetermined problem shortly after takeoff, the pilot attempted a forced landing in a flat area. During the attempt, the left wing contacted the ground, causing the airplane to cartwheel and come to rest 12 feet beyond impact. No anomalies were found in the airframe, engine, or flight controls.
Accident Scenario
A pilot departed from a private grass airstrip. Shortly after takeoff, an undetermined problem prompted the pilot to attempt a precautionary or forced landing in the only nearby level, flat, open area available. During the landing attempt, with the airplane configured for landing and at very low airspeed, the left wing contacted the level terrain. The airplane then cartwheeled nose-first into the ground, coming to a stop approximately 12 feet beyond the point where the nose impacted the field.
Investigation Findings
Investigators examined the airplane's airframe, engine, and flight controls but found no anomalies that would explain the necessity for the forced landing or that could have contributed to the wing tip contacting the terrain. The investigation was unable to determine whether the pilot lost control of the airplane during the final part of the landing sequence or inadvertently allowed the wing tip to touch the ground while executing a low-level turn to align the airplane's heading parallel to an upcoming ditch just before touchdown.