No fatalities

4 Sep 2008: CESSNA A185F — State of Oregon — Lakeview, OR

Lakeview, OR, United States

On 4 Sep 2008, a CESSNA A185F operated by State of Oregon was involved in an aviation accident near Lakeview, OR. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot failed to maintain directional control during takeoff. This summary draws on records from NTSB; 12 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

SourcesNTSBPrimary reportUpdated 1778583330Data APIEditorial standards

During takeoff from a washboard-surfaced dirt road, the pilot of a tailwheel airplane lost directional control, veered left, and struck rocks, causing landing gear collapse and structural damage.

Accident Overview

During a takeoff from a dirt road with a washboard surface, a tailwheel airplane experienced a loss of directional control. The airplane departed the left side of the road and struck several large rocks. One main landing gear leg collapsed, and the empennage and left wing sustained structural damage.

Sequence of Events

The takeoff was initiated on a washboard-surfaced dirt road. As the airplane accelerated, the pilot failed to maintain directional control. Despite attempts to regain control, the airplane drifted to the left, exiting the road surface. It then impacted multiple large rocks. The collision resulted in the collapse of one main landing gear leg. Additionally, the empennage and left wing were damaged.

Examination Findings

A post-accident examination revealed no anomalies in the airplane's flight controls or tail wheel steering system. The structural damage was confined to the empennage and left wing, consistent with the impact forces from the rocks. No mechanical malfunctions were identified.

Probable cause

The pilot failed to maintain directional control during takeoff.

Contributing factors

Causes

Directional control — Not attained/maintained

Other contributing factors

Contributed to outcome