Friday, April 13, 2018

Cessna A185F Skywagon 185, N8702Z: Accident occurred April 12, 2018 at Dutch Landing Strip (88AK), Sterling, Alaska

Additional Participating Entity:
Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Juneau, Alaska

Aviation Accident Final Report - National Transportation Safety Board: https://app.ntsb.gov/pdf

Investigation Docket  - National Transportation Safety Board: https://dms.ntsb.gov/pubdms

http://registry.faa.gov/N8702Z

Analysis 

The pilot reported that, during the approach to land, the sun was directly in his eyes. He added that the airplane drifted to the left and the left wing struck a tree. The airplane continued to the left, struck more trees, and came to rest off the left side of the runway.

The airplane sustained substantial damage to both wings and the fuselage.

The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. 

Probable Cause and Findings

The National Transportation Safety Board determines the probable cause(s) of this accident to be:
The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from trees during the approach to land due to the sun glare. 

Findings

Aircraft
Heading/course - Not attained/maintained (Cause)

Personnel issues
Aircraft control - Pilot (Cause)

Environmental issues
Tree(s) - Effect on operation
Glare - Effect on personnel (Cause)
Tree(s) - Contributed to outcome

Factual Information

History of Flight

Landing
Collision during takeoff/land (Defining event)
Collision with terr/obj (non-CFIT)

Location: Sterling, AK
Accident Number: GAA18CA211
Date & Time: 04/12/2018, 0800 AKD
Registration: N8702Z
Aircraft: CESSNA A185
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Defining Event: Collision during takeoff/land
Injuries: 1 None
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General Aviation - Personal 

The pilot reported that, during the approach to land, the sun was directly in his eyes. He added, the airplane drifted to the left and the left wing struck a tree. The airplane continued to the left, struck more trees, and came to rest off the left side of the runway.

The airplane sustained substantial damage to both wings and the fuselage.

The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. 

Pilot Information

Certificate: Private
Age: 57, Male
Airplane Rating(s): Single-engine Land; Single-engine Sea
Seat Occupied: Left
Other Aircraft Rating(s): None
Restraint Used: 4-point
Instrument Rating(s): None
Second Pilot Present: No
Instructor Rating(s): None
Toxicology Performed: No
Medical Certification: Class 3 Without Waivers/Limitations
Last FAA Medical Exam: 03/22/2018
Occupational Pilot: No
Last Flight Review or Equivalent: 07/19/2016
Flight Time:  (Estimated) 1201 hours (Total, all aircraft), 208 hours (Total, this make and model), 875 hours (Pilot In Command, all aircraft), 25 hours (Last 90 days, all aircraft), 9 hours (Last 30 days, all aircraft)

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Manufacturer: CESSNA
Registration: N8702Z
Model/Series: A185 F
Aircraft Category: Airplane
Year of Manufacture: 1976
Amateur Built: No
Airworthiness Certificate: Normal
Serial Number: 18502897
Landing Gear Type: Tailwheel
Seats: 4
Date/Type of Last Inspection: 03/01/2018, Annual
Certified Max Gross Wt.: 3350 lbs
Time Since Last Inspection:
Engines: 1 Reciprocating
Airframe Total Time: 2432 Hours as of last inspection
Engine Manufacturer: Continental
ELT: C126 installed, activated, aided in locating accident
Engine Model/Series: IO-520-D
Registered Owner: On file
Rated Power: 300 hp
Operator: On file
Operating Certificate(s) Held: None 

Meteorological Information and Flight Plan

Conditions at Accident Site: Visual Conditions
Condition of Light: Day
Observation Facility, Elevation: PASX, 113 ft msl
Observation Time: 1556 UTC
Distance from Accident Site: 6 Nautical Miles
Direction from Accident Site: 232°
Lowest Cloud Condition:
Temperature/Dew Point: 1°C / -2°C
Lowest Ceiling: Overcast / 9000 ft agl
Visibility:  10 Miles
Wind Speed/Gusts, Direction: Calm
Visibility (RVR):
Altimeter Setting: 29.45 inches Hg
Visibility (RVV):
Precipitation and Obscuration: No Obscuration; No Precipitation
Departure Point: SOLDOTNA, AK (SXQ)
Type of Flight Plan Filed: None
Destination: Sterling, AK (88AK)
Type of Clearance: None
Departure Time: 0745 AKD
Type of Airspace: Class G

Airport Information

Airport: DUTCH LANDING STRIP (88AK)
Runway Surface Type: Gravel
Airport Elevation: 300 ft
Runway Surface Condition: Dry
Runway Used: 07
IFR Approach: None
Runway Length/Width: 1300 ft / 100 ft
VFR Approach/Landing: Full Stop 

Wreckage and Impact Information

Crew Injuries: 1 None
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Passenger Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Fire:  None
Ground Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Explosion: None
Total Injuries: 1 None
Latitude, Longitude:  60.539722, -150.869722 (est)

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