No fatalities

7 Sep 2014: CESSNA 185 F — COPPER VALLEY AIR SERVICE LLC — Gakona, AK

Gakona, AK, United States
SourcesNTSBPrimary reportUpdated 1778583330Data APIEditorial standards

A pilot lost directional control of a tailwheel aircraft after a tire deflated during a takeoff from a remote site.

What happened

On September 7, 2014, a Cessna 185 was performing a takeoff from a remote, off-airport location near Gakona, Alaska. During the takeoff roll, the left main landing gear tire on N432X deflated. This caused the aircraft to swerve to the left, resulting in the plane striking a tree.

The accident resulted in no injuries, though the aircraft sustained substantial damage to its wings, fuselage, and tail.

Probable cause

The pilot was unable to maintain directional control of the aircraft following the deflation of the left main landing gear tire during takeoff.

Contributing factors

Causes

Tire casing — FailureAttain/maintain not possible

Other contributing factors

Contributed to outcome