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NTSB Report
February 19, 2017 · Cessna A185 F · N185AE
Fairbanks, AK
Overview
Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
February 19, 2017
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Fairbanks, AK
Aircraft
Cessna A185 F (1973)
Tail Number
N185AE
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
GAA17CA147
The pilot reported that, during the first landing of a currency flight, he "never realized he was low on the approach" and that the airplane impacted a snow-covered area short of the asphalt runway and nosed over. He added that the flight was conducted in "reduced light conditions" and that he "did not recognize the conditions as being flat light." The vertical stabilizer sustained substantial damage. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. The National Weather Service reported that the sun set about 25 minutes after the accident. The Federal Aviation Administration Chart Supplement stated, in part, that the landing runway was equipped with a precision approach path indicator.
NTSB Probable Cause
Aircraft-Aircraft oper/perf/capability-Performance/control parameters-Descent/approach/glide path-Not attained/maintained - C
Full Narrative
The pilot reported that during the first landing of a currency flight, he "never realized he was low on the approach" and impacted a snow covered area short of the asphalt runway and nosed over. He added that the flight was conducted in "reduced light conditions" and he "did not recognize the conditions as being flat light." The vertical stabilizer sustained substantial damage. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. The National Weather Service recorded a sunset time about 25 minutes after the accident. The Federal Aviation Administration Chart Supplement stated in part that the landing runway was equipped with a precision approach path indicator (PAPI).
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time17:08 AKST
Nearest AirportFairbanks Intl (0nm SSE)
Runway20L
Runway Length6501 ft
Runway Width100 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftCessna A185 F
Tail NumberN185AE
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsContinental · IO-520-D24 · Reciprocating · 300
Seats4
People & Injuries
Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 64 · Third Class · None
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind200° @ 5 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingBroken clouds 12000 ft
Temperature / Dew Point7 C / 0 C
Altimeter29.62 inHg
Observation Time02:53
Weather SourceWFAC