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NTSB Report
August 31, 2012 · Cessna A185F · N3946Q
Gerlach, NV
Overview
Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
August 31, 2012
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (4 uninjured)
Location
Gerlach, NV
Aircraft
Cessna A185F
Tail Number
N3946Q
Operator
Mennen Paul
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
WPR12CA381
The pilot said that he had landed on a small, dry lake bed. He departed with a slight left crosswind, and the airplane began to weathervane to the left. The pilot was unable to counteract the left-turning tendency with the rudder, so he aborted the takeoff. When he applied the brakes, the airplane ground looped to the left, bending the right wing and horizontal stabilizer. Postaccident examination revealed no evidence of preimpact mechanical malfunction or failure that would have precluded normal operation.
NTSB Probable Cause
Aircraft-Aircraft oper/perf/capability-Performance/control parameters-Directional control-Not attained/maintained - C
Full Narrative
The pilot said that he had landed on a small dry lake bed or playa. He departed with a light left crosswind, and the airplane began to weathervane to the left. He said he was unable to counteract the left turning tendency with the rudder, so he aborted the takeoff. During the application of brakes, the aircraft ground looped to the left bending the right wing and horizontal stabilizer.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time09:30 PDT
Nearest Airport0nm
Flight Plan FiledUnknown
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftCessna A185F
Tail NumberN3946Q
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorMennen Paul
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsCont Motor · IO 520 SERIES · Reciprocating · 285
Seats6
People & Injuries
Injury SummaryNo injuries (4 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured4
Total4
Crew 1Age 56 · Third Class · None
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind270° @ 5 kt, gusting 10 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point28 C
Altimeter29.97 inHg
Observation Time16:55
Weather SourceWFAC