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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

July 23, 1998 · Cessna 185 · N5892T

Kenai, AK

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
July 23, 1998
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (4 uninjured)
Location
Kenai, AK
Aircraft
Cessna 185
Tail Number
N5892T
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
ANC98LA106

The pilot reported that just after receiving a clearance for takeoff, a request was made by the tower operator to 'expedite' the departure due to inbound traffic. The pilot said that during the departure roll, and as the airplane was nearing takeoff speed, the airplane veered uncontrollably to the left, went off the left side of the runway, and ground looped to the left. During the ground loop, the right wing and aileron struck the ground, and sustained substantial damage. The pilot noted that there were no preaccident mechanical anomalies with the airplane.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's failure to maintain directional control.

Full Narrative

On July 23, 1998, about 1305 Alaska daylight time, a wheel equipped Cessna 185 airplane, N5892T, sustained substantial damage during takeoff from the Kenai Municipal Airport, Kenai, Alaska. The airplane was being operated as a visual flight rules (VFR) personal flight under Title 14, CFR Part 91, when the accident occurred. The certificated airline transport pilot, and the three passengers aboard, were not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan was filed. The flight was returning to Anchorage, Alaska, where it had departed about 0930. In his written statement to the NTSB dated July 29, 1998, the pilot reported that just after receiving a clearance for takeoff, the tower operator requested that he "expedite" the departure due to inbound traffic. He said that during the departure roll, and as the airplane was nearing takeoff speed, the airplane veered uncontrollably to the left, went off the left side of the runway, and ground looped to the left. During the ground loop, the right wing, and aileron struck the ground and sustained substantial damage. The closest official weather observation station is Kenai. On July 23, 1998, at 1247, an Aviation Routine Weather Report (METAR) was reporting in part: Wind, 017 degrees (magnetic) at 5 knots; visibility, 70 statute miles; clouds, 4,000 feet scattered, 1,500 feet broken; temperature, 66 degrees F; dew point, 46 degrees F; altimeter, 29.76 inHg. The pilot noted that there were no preaccident mechanical anomalies with the airplane.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time13:05 AKDT
Nearest AirportKENAI (0nm)
Runway1
Runway Length7575 ft
Runway Width150 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftCessna 185
Tail NumberN5892T
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsContinental · IO-470F · Reciprocating · 260
Seats6

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (4 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured4
Total4
Crew 1Age 52 · Second Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind17° @ 5 kt
Visibility70 sm
CeilingBroken clouds 1500 ft
Temperature / Dew Point66 F / 46
Altimeter29.00 inHg
Observation Time15:47
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data