NTSB Factual Report

On September 1, 2002, about 0900 Alaska daylight time, a float-equipped Cessna 185 airplane, N185CF, sustained substantial damage during a collision with tree-covered terrain, about 14 miles southwest of Port Alsworth, Alaska. The airplane was being operated as a Title 14, CFR Part 91, visual flight rules (VFR) local area personal flight when the accident occurred. The airplane was operated by the pilot. The private certificated pilot, and the two passengers, received serious injuries. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed. The flight originated from Keyes Point, Lake Clark, Alaska, located about 5 miles southeast of the accident site, at 0850, and was en route to Long Lake. No flight plan was filed.

During an interview with the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) investigator-in-charge (IIC), on September 1, the pilot reported that he just departed Lake Clark, and had leveled the airplane about 1,000 feet above the ground. As the airplane crossed over a small ridge, the pilot said he encountered a severe downdraft. The airplane began to descend, and he banked the airplane to the left to avoid a low hill. He applied full engine power, but the airplane continued to descend. The pilot said he could not maintain altitude, and the airplane collided with the ground and nosed over.

In the Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident/Incident Report (NTSB Form 6120.1) submitted by the pilot, the pilot indicated he did not obtain a weather briefing. He reported that the weather conditions included unlimited visibility, a temperature of 50 degrees F, a wind of 3 to 5 knots from the north, no precipitation, and no turbulence. In the narrative portion of the report, the pilot indicated that there was little to no wind at the departure point. After takeoff, he gained sufficient altitude to clear a mountain saddle along the route of flight. He stated that the airplane suddenly encountered a violent downdraft that unexpectedly caused the airplane to lose several hundred feet of altitude. He was unable to arrest the airplane's descent, and the airplane collided with a tree on the side of the mountain and nosed over.

The area forecast for Bristol Bay, issued on September 1, 2002, at 0545, and valid until 1800, stated, in part: Clouds and weather; AIRMET for mountain obscuration, Alaska Range occasionally obscured in clouds and precipitation, improving. Clouds, 2,500 feet scattered, 4,000 feet broken, 6,000 feet broken, tops at 8,000 feet, scattered conditions in light rain showers. Coast/offshore, occasionally 2,500 feet broken. Outlook, valid from 1800 to 1200 on September 2, 2002, coast/offshore, marginal VFR conditions with ceilings due to mist; inland, VFR conditions. Turbulence, none significant. Icing and freezing level, none significant, freezing level, 5,000 feet.

The closest official weather observation station is Port Alsworth, Alaska. At 0848, an Aviation Routine Weather Report (METAR) was reporting in part: Wind, calm; visibility, 20 statute miles in light rain; clouds and sky condition, 3,000 feet broken, 5,500 feet overcast; altimeter, 29.91 inHg.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's inadequate evaluation of the area weather conditions, and his subsequent inability to maintain terrain clearance upon encountering a downdraft, which resulted in an in-flight collision with tree-covered mountainous terrain. A factor in the accident was a downdraft.