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GAA18CA106

2018-01-12 · Lowman, Idaho, United States · None · 1 aircraft · Status: Completed

Airport 0U1

Current FAA registration · N2W

Make / Model
CESSNA A185F
Engine
CONT MOTOR IO 520 SERIES (285 hp)
Seats / Engines
6 seats · 1 engine
Last airworthiness date
19810429
ADS-B equipped
Yes — Mode-S A18F45

Source: FAA Aircraft Registry (releasable master file).

Aircraft involved

Probable cause & findings

The pilot’s selection of unsuitable terrain for takeoff, which resulted in a loss of directional control.

Factual narrative

The pilot of the tailwheel-equipped airplane reported that, during takeoff on a snow-covered airstrip, the left wheel encountered a "foot deep snow bank". The airplane veered left and nosed over. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the left wing and vertical stabilizer. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. The pilot of the tailwheel-equipped airplane reported that, during takeoff from a snow-covered airstrip, the left wheel encountered a "foot deep snow bank." The airplane veered left and nosed over. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the left wing and vertical stabilizer. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database Retrieved: 2026-02-12

NTSB Findings

FAA avdata. C = Cause, F = Factor.

  • C Personnel issues-Action/decision-Info processing/decision-Decision making/judgment-Pilot - C
  • C Aircraft-Aircraft oper/perf/capability-Performance/control parameters-Directional control-Not attained/maintained - C
  • — Environmental issues-Physical environment-Runway/land/takeoff/taxi surface-Snow/slush/ice covered surface-Effect on operation
  • — Environmental issues-Physical environment-Runway/land/takeoff/taxi surface-Snow/slush/ice covered surface-Decision related to condition

Verbatim from NTSB's published report. Source file NTSB_2018_GAA18CA106.txt. Findings + structured fields enriched from FAA avall.mdb. Full investigation docket on data.ntsb.gov ↗.

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