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NTSB Report
August 1, 1991 · Cessna A185F · N1687M
Amitchiak Lake, AK
Overview
Report Status
Probable Cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
August 1, 1991
Injury Outcomes
2 injuries (2 fatalities)
Location
Amitchiak Lake, AK
Aircraft
Cessna A185F
Tail Number
N1687M
Operator
Gaedeke Bernd A
Injuries
Fatal
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
ANC91FA115
AMITCHIAK LAKE IS LOCATED IN A MOUNTAIN VALLEY WITH A FIELD ELEVATION OF 2,500 FEET. THE WIND WAS BLOWING FROM THE NORTH, NORTHWEST. THE AIRPLANE TOOK OFF INTO THE WIND AND HAD TO MAKE A TURN TO AVOID RISING TERRAIN. THE TAKEOFF AREA WAS DIRECTLY DOWNWIND OF RISING TERRAIN. ACCORDING TO THE WITNESS, THE AIRPLANE BANKED TO THE LEFT AND WAS FLYING IN A SOUTH, SOUTHWESTERLY DIRECTION OVER THE WATER WHEN THE AIRPLANE'S NOSE WENT DOWN AND THE AIRPLANE NOSED INTO THE WATER. EXAMINATION OF THE AIRPLANE WRECKAGE SHOWED NO MECHANICAL IRREGULARITY WITH THE FLIGHT CONTROLS, ENGINE, AND OTHER SYSTEMS ON THE AIRPLANE.
NTSB Probable Cause
THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO MAINTAIN THE AIRPLANE'S AIRSPEED ABOVE STALLING; THEREBY LOSING CONTROL. FACTORS CONTRIBUTING TO THE ACCIDENT WERE THE MOUNTAINOUS TERRAIN, THE MOUNTAIN WAVE, AND INSUFFICIENT ALTITUDE FROM WHICH TO RECOVER.
Full Narrative
AMITCHIAK LAKE IS LOCATED IN A MOUNTAIN VALLEY WITH A FIELD ELEVATION OF 2,500 FEET. THE WIND WAS BLOWING FROM THE NORTH, NORTHWEST. THE AIRPLANE TOOK OFF INTO THE WIND AND HAD TO MAKE A TURN TO AVOID RISING TERRAIN. THE TAKEOFF AREA WAS DIRECTLY DOWNWIND OF RISING TERRAIN. ACCORDING TO THE WITNESS, THE AIRPLANE BANKED TO THE LEFT AND WAS FLYING IN A SOUTH, SOUTHWESTERLY DIRECTION OVER THE WATER WHEN THE AIRPLANE'S NOSE WENT DOWN AND THE AIRPLANE NOSED INTO THE WATER. EXAMINATION OF THE AIRPLANE WRECKAGE SHOWED NO MECHANICAL IRREGULARITY WITH THE FLIGHT CONTROLS, ENGINE, AND OTHER SYSTEMS ON THE AIRPLANE.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time15:15 AKDT
Nearest Airport0nm N
Runway0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftCessna A185F
Tail NumberN1687M
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorGaedeke Bernd A
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsContinental · IO-520-F · Reciprocating · 285
Seats4
People & Injuries
Injury Summary2 injuries (2 fatalities)
Fatal2
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured0
Total2
Crew 1Age 51 · Third Class
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind360° @ 20 kt, gusting 30 kt
Visibility15 sm
CeilingOvercast 10000 ft
Temperature / Dew Point50 / 0 C
Altimeter0
Weather SourceWIT