# NTSB ANC87LA169: Cessna 185, N1050F, Wind River, AK, September 16, 1987

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: September 16, 1987, 12:05 local (20:05 UTC)
- Place: Wind River, AK
- Phase of flight: [Takeoff](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/300) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 2 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report August 31, 1988
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB office: Alaska Regional Office
- NTSB case key (mKey): 4930
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=ANC87LA169
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/4930/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC87LA169

## Sequence of events

In NTSB's coding before 2008 (https://www.ntsb.gov/GILS/Documents/codman.pdf).

- Overrun, takeoff - roll/run
  - terrain condition - loose gravel/sandy (contributing factor)
  - preflight planning/preparation - poor, pilot in command (cause)
  - unsuitable terrain or takeoff/landing/taxi area - selected, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - airspeed(vlof) - not obtained, pilot in command (cause)
- Nose over, takeoff - roll/run

## Analysis

THE PILOT AND HIS PASSENGER HAD CAMPED OVER NIGHT ON A GRAVEL BAR ON THE WIND RIVER. ON DEPARTURE THE FOLLOWING DAY, THE AIRPLANE FAILED TO BECOME AIRBORNE PRIOR TO REACHING THE END OF THE GRAVEL BAR. THE AIRPLANE ENTERED THE SHALLOW WATER SURROUNDING THE GRAVEL BAR AND NOSED OVER. NEITHER THE PILOT NOR HIS PASSENGER WERE INJURED. THE PLT FAILED TO SUBMIT AN ACCD RPT. PLT FLT TIMES WERE NOT RPTD AND NOT AVAILABLE.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N1050F](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N1050F), registered now, S/N 18502707, built 1975 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: CESSNA 185
- Registry model: [Cessna A185F](https://openairdocs.org/model/cessna-a185f) (registry code 2072821) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Continental IO-520 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/continental-io-520-series) (registry code 17032, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 18502707
- Engines: CONTINENTAL IO-520 300 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Ferry, Part 91
- Operator: Audi Air
- Registered owner: Kenneth B. Martin
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Destination: FAI, FAIRBANKS, AK

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 27; airline transport; airplane ratings: multi-engine land, single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 1, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: left

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: calm
- Visibility: 20 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: 8,000 ft broken
- Temperature: 30 °F

## FAA reports on this event (1)

The FAA's own accident and incident reports, matched to the aircraft by N-number and date (OpenAirDocs).

- [Accident 19870916053499A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19870916053499A), Sep 16, 1987: Cessna A185F, Wind River, AK, Substantial damage. During takeoff from a gravel bar, the aircraft failed to become airborne. Nosed over in the River.

## Other investigations on N1050F (1)

From the NTSB's public API. Aircraft are matched to registry aircraft by N-number and event date, checked against the reported serial number, make and model; the registry's history has gaps, so older matches can be wrong. Compare the reported make and model.

- [NTSB ANC77DAA53](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC77DAA53), Jul 27, 1977: Cessna 185 (N1050F), Fairbanks, AK, no damage

From the NTSB's public API. Aircraft are matched to registry aircraft by N-number and event date, checked against the reported serial number, make and model; the registry's history has gaps, so older matches can be wrong. Compare the reported make and model.

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