FTW96LA103

Factual narrative

On January 22, 1996, at 1215 central standard time, a Cessna A185F, N6034N, was substantially damaged following a loss of control during takeoff near Belle Chase, Louisiana. The airline transport rated pilot and the 2 passengers were not injured. The airplane was being operated by Southern Seaplane Inc., of Belle Chase, Louisiana, as a Title 14 CFR Part 135 flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the air taxi flight to Lafayette, Louisiana. A company VFR flight plan was filed, and a weather briefing received for the flight. According to the pilot and the operator, the airplane was departing from the operator's airstrip (65LA) on runway 20 with winds from 100 degrees at 10 knots. In the enclosed NTSB Pilot/Operator Report, the operator stated that "directional control was lost during the takeoff roll and the airplane came to rest in a drainage canal adjacent to the runway." The pilot initiated a takeoff on runway 21 with winds from 100 degrees at 10 knots. During the takeoff roll, he lost directional control of the tailwheel equipped airplane. Subsequently, it came to rest in a drainage canal adjacent to the runway. Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database (Pre-2008 Archive) Retrieved: 2026-02-12