What happened
On a flight destined for Scoop Lake, British Columbia, a Cessna 185B, registered C-FPKJ, departed from the displaced threshold of Runway 19 at Prince George. The aircraft had previously arrived from Kelowna to pick up supplies for a hunting and fishing camp. After refueling, the pilot received clearance for takeoff with a right turn.
Shortly after the takeoff roll began, the aircraft's flight path became unstable. Approximately 2,400 feet past the runway end, the plane pitched up sharply and entered a steep climb before turning left. The aircraft reached a peak altitude of only about 270 feet above the ground and remained airborne for less than 47 seconds. The flight ended when the plane impacted trees roughly 600 feet left of the runway centerline. The impact destroyed the aircraft, and the pilot sustained serious injuries. No fire occurred following the crash.
The investigation
Investigators examined the aircraft's mechanical state and loading configuration. Evidence indicated the engine was functioning normally, making engine failure an unlikely cause. The takeoff performance, including climb speeds and distance, aligned with the manufacturer's specifications.
However, the investigation revealed that the aircraft's center of gravity (CG) was positioned near the aft limit. The horizontal stabilizer was found trimmed for an aft CG. Investigators also noted that the cargo within the aircraft was not secured. The presence of turbulent and gusty winds at the airport, combined with the retraction of flaps during the climb, likely worsened the aircraft's instability. Furthermore, the shift of unrestrained cargo toward the rear of the plane during flight may have further moved the CG toward the aft limit.
Findings
- The primary cause of the accident was a loss of pitch control due to an aft center of gravity.
- This loss of control occurred during turbulent and gusty weather conditions at an altitude too low for the pilot to recover.
- The cargo was not properly restrained, which likely allowed it to shift rearward during the takeoff phase.
- The unrestrained cargo may have also contributed to the pilot's injuries by striking him during the impact.