On August 12, 2018, a Cessna 185 D was involved in an aviation accident near Brooks Range, AK. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The airplane's encounter with downdraft conditions during takeoff, which resulted in a subsequent loss of altitude and collision with terrain. This summary draws on records from NTSB; 12 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
A pilot reported that his tailwheel-equipped airplane encountered a severe downdraft shortly after takeoff from an unimproved gravel surface, causing it to impact a creek bed and separate the main landing gear. No mechanical issues were reported.
Accident Details
The pilot of a tailwheel-equipped airplane reported that he took off from an off-airport unimproved gravel surface. He recalled that the airplane climbed and was airborne for about 300 feet before it encountered a severe downdraft. The airplane then impacted a creek bed, and the main landing gear separated from the airframe.
Damage
The airplane sustained substantial damage to the foremost fuselage bulkhead and stringers.
Wind Conditions
The pilot reported that the wind at the accident site was from 230 degrees at 25 knots with gusts to 30 knots, and that he was landing to the southwest. The pilot stated that there were no mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
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