Cessna A185F N61609

Summary

On 19 August 1996 at about 17:20 local time, a Cessna A185F registered N61609 was involved in an accident near Midland, Texas, United States. One person was on board and one was seriously injured. The aircraft was substantially damaged. The NTSB has published a probable cause for this accident; it is quoted in full below.

Date

19 August 1996 at 17:20

Classification

Accident

Location

Midland, Texas, United States

Nearest airport

Midland International (MAF)

Coordinates

Not recorded

Aircraft

Cessna A185F

Registration

N61609

Category

Airplane

Engines

1

Operator

Not recorded

Operating rule

Part 91: General Aviation

Purpose of flight

Business

Phase of flight

Not recorded

Route

Unknown → Alpine

Aircraft damage

Substantial

Weather

VMC

Light

Day

NTSB number

FTW96LA351

1 person was seriously injured.

failure of the pilot to obtain or maintain adequate airspeed, by allowing the airplane to enter an excessive nose high attitude and an excessive rate of climb after takeoff, which resulted in an inadvertent stall and subsequent collision with the terrain. A factor relating to the accident was: the pilot's inadequate preflight by failing to ensure proper elevator trim for takeoff.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record. This site does not paraphrase or interpret it.

Read the full NTSB narrative

Witnesses stated that the airplane became airborne after a short takeoff roll and lifted of before reaching taxiway 'F.' They added that the airplane was established in a very steep climb attitude, as soon as it became airborne. Subsequently, it nosed down and impacted on the west edge of runway 16R, between taxiway 'F' and runway 10. Examination of the wreckage by an FAA inspector revealed that the elevator trim was in the full nose up position. The trim indicator confirmed the position of the elevator trim.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record.