Accident Details
On September 15, 2018, at approximately 1245 Mountain Standard Time, a Cessna A185F airplane, registration N573BV, was substantially damaged during a collision with terrain near Bullhead City, Arizona. The airplane was being operated as a personal flight under Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91. The pilot sustained minor injuries, while the passenger was seriously injured.
Pilot Account
According to the pilot, during the takeoff roll, the airplane was positioned left of the runway centerline. He made a "radical" correction to realign with the centerline. After departure, during the initial climb, the pilot entered information into the fuel totalizer. When he looked up, the airplane was in a left bank, with rising terrain and powerlines ahead. Anticipating an imminent impact, the pilot added one notch of flaps and kept the wings level. The airplane subsequently struck the ground near a ravine.
Damage and Examination
The accident resulted in substantial damage to the wings and fuselage. A postaccident examination of the airplane and engine revealed no anomalies that would have precluded normal operation. The pilot also reported no mechanical issues.
Investigation Findings
No evidence of preexisting mechanical or engine abnormalities was found. The investigation did not identify any factors that would have affected the airplane's performance or controllability during the event.