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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

NTSB Reports is an independent research and search tool for public aviation accident and incident records. It brings NTSB aviation reports, structured fields, docket files, extracted figures, photos, videos, and update history into one searchable interface.

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NTSB Report

May 5, 1996 · Cessna A185E · N185MP

Cascade, ID

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
May 5, 1996
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (2 uninjured)
Location
Cascade, ID
Aircraft
Cessna A185E
Tail Number
N185MP
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
SEA96LA089

The pilot reported that he initiated a soft field takeoff on a wet and soft grass strip. The airplane lifted off and the pilot leveled the airplane at 10 feet above ground level to increase speed. The pilot stated that the wind shifted to a tailwind and the airspeed dropped 10 knots. The airplane would not clear small trees at the end of the runway, and the pilot aborted the takeoff after colliding with the first trees. The airplane then landed approximately 300 feet from the end of the runway.

NTSB Probable Cause

the pilot's improper planning/decision, his failure to ensure that the airplane would maintain proper clearance from obstructions (trees), and his delay in aborting the takeoff. The soft/wet runway and tailwind were related factors.

Full Narrative

On May 5, 1996, at 1400 mountain daylight time, a Cessna A185E, N185MP, registered to and operated by the pilot as a 14 CFR Part 91 personal flight, collided with trees during an aborted takeoff from a private airstrip located 31 miles east of Cascade, Idaho. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time and no flight plan was filed. The airplane was substantially damaged and the airline transport pilot and his passenger were not injured. The intended destination for this flight was to Hailey, Idaho. The pilot reported that he had made a precautionary landing at the private grass airstrip due to weather. According to the pilot, after the weather improved, he executed a soft field takeoff but, after leveling off at 10 feet above ground level to increase airspeed, the aircraft would not accelerate above 60 miles per hour indicated airspeed. The pilot stated that he felt that there was now a tailwind. The aircraft's airspeed subsequently "dropped about 10 miles per hour" and, upon reaching the end of the runway, the aircraft collided with the tops of small trees before the pilot retarded the throttle and aborted the takeoff. The airplane landed approximately 300 feet off the end of the runway. The pilot reported that the grass strip was wet and soft with standing water at the north end.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time14:00 MDT
Nearest AirportMorgan Ranch (0nm)
Runway18
Runway Length2000 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftCessna A185E
Tail NumberN185MP
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsContinental · IO-520D · Reciprocating · 300
Seats4

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (2 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured2
Total2
Crew 1Age 45 · First Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
WindCalm
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point45 C / 0 C
Altimeter0
Weather SourcePILO

Appendix: Source Data