History of Flight
On October 14, 2009, at approximately 1430 Alaska daylight time, a Cessna A185E (N2764J) sustained substantial damage after impacting trees and terrain about 28 miles west of Healy, Alaska. The flight, operated under Part 91, had departed Denali Airport, McKinley Park, at about 1215 for a local aerial photography and animal survey mission. The commercial pilot reported serious injuries; the passenger, a private biologist, was killed.
The pilot reported that after departure, he flew west-southwest to conduct aerial observations of wolves using radio telemetry. At four locations north-northeast of the accident site, he noted northerly winds at 5–10 knots with light chop. He altered course westward then south-southeast to the east fork of the Toklat River. While turning left 180 degrees over the observation area, the airplane encountered "unexpected turbulence and drafts" that steepened the left bank and caused altitude loss. After leveling wings and applying full power, the airplane headed toward rising terrain. Despite a shallow left bank climb, downdrafts forced the airplane into the ridge.
After impact, the pilot blacked out briefly, then saw smoke and flames. He exited and called to his passenger but received no reply. He attempted re-entry through the baggage door but was prevented by flames. The pilot stayed near the wreckage overnight, then walked about 7 miles upstream along the Toklat River to a road, then another 9 miles to a camping group, who drove him to town for medical attention.
The flight was reported overdue to the FAA on October 15 at 0045. Search personnel from Civil Air Patrol, Alaska State Troopers, and Alaska Air National Guard were dispatched. No ELT signal was received. The incinerated wreckage was found on October 15 at about 1500.
Personnel
The 35-year-old pilot held a commercial certificate with single-engine land, multi-engine land, and instrument ratings, and a second-class medical issued April 10, 2009, with no limitations. He reported 4,400 total flight hours, with 55 hours in the accident make/model.
Aircraft
The 1969 Cessna A185E (S/N 185-1514) was a four-seat, high-wing, fixed-gear tailwheel aircraft powered by a Continental IO-520-D engine, equipped with a two-blade McCauley constant-speed propeller. The pilot registered the airplane on April 13, 2009. A 100-hour/annual inspection was conducted April 16, 2009, at 2,350 tachometer hours and 3,474.80 airframe hours.
Meteorological Information
At 1456, an automated station 31 miles west-northwest of the accident site reported wind from 010° at 10 knots, visibility 10 miles, overcast at 300 feet, temperature 1°C, dew point -1°C, altimeter 29.49 inHg. An AIRMET valid until 1700 warned of possible severe turbulence, severe icing, low-level wind shear, and IFR conditions.
Wreckage and Impact
The accident site was adjacent to the east fork of the Toklat River in Denali National Park. Trees 30–40 feet tall were topped. The first point of contact was a tree with the outboard right elevator. The fiberglass right wingtip was found 20 feet from the first tree. The left outboard horizontal stabilizer and elevator section were in a tree about 80 feet from the first contact. The main wreckage was 110 feet from the first contact, on a heading of about 230° magnetic. The main wreckage came to rest upright on a heading of 180° magnetic at 3,040 feet elevation.
Most of the fuselage and right wing were consumed by fire; the left wing was partially consumed. No preimpact mechanical malfunction was found. The engine was partially attached; the propeller remained on the crankshaft. One blade was bent and twisted aft, with chord-wise scratching; the other was twisted and buried in the ground. Impact damage to the number three cylinder and oil sump.
Survival Aspects
The airplane was equipped with a 121.5 MHz ELT, but no signals were received. As of February 1, 2009, satellite monitoring of 121.5 MHz had ceased; only 406 MHz ELTs were detectable. The NTSB had issued Safety Recommendation A-07-51 in 2007 urging the FAA to mandate 406 MHz ELTs. As of November 2010, the FAA had not acted, and the recommendation remained "Open-Unacceptable."
Tests and Research
The wreckage was recovered on May 11, 2010. Examination and engine run on July 13–15, 2010, revealed no mechanical anomalies. The engine started and ran at various power settings without issues. Magnetos showed acceptable drops. No preimpact malfunctions were identified.