No fatalities

18 Aug 2018: Cessna A185 F — Big Lake, AK

Big Lake, AK, United States

On 18 Aug 2018, a Cessna A185 F was involved in an aviation accident near Big Lake, AK. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from tree foliage on the left side of the runway during takeoff due to his focus on the right side of the runway. 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 on a private airstrip, the pilot's left wing struck tree foliage. The airplane veered left, exited the runway, and impacted trees, sustaining substantial left wing damage.

Accident Sequence

During the takeoff roll on a private airstrip, the pilot began the departure to the southeast. When the aircraft had traveled approximately 120 feet down the runway, the left wing struck foliage from trees. The airplane then yawed to the left, departed the runway surface, and impacted trees. The pilot mentioned that his attention was directed to the right side of the runway to watch for a swale, and he was not observing the left side.

Aircraft Damage

The collision resulted in substantial damage to the left wing of the airplane. No other damage was reported.

Pilot Report

The pilot reported that there were no mechanical failures or malfunctions present before the accident that would have prevented normal operation. The pilot did not complete or submit the NTSB Form 6120.1 Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident/Incident Report.

Contributing factors

Causes

Pilot

Other contributing factors

Effect on operation