Cessna 180 N3125D accident near North Pole, Alaska

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to maintain directional control of the airplane while taxiing on a snow covered runway, which resulted in a collision with a terrain.

NTSB analysis

Prior to departure, the pilot was taxiing a ski-equipped airplane back-and-forth on a hard-packed, snow-covered runway, to warm up the engine oil, and polish any frost that might have accumulated on the bottom of the skis. During the last taxi pass the airplane began to drift to the left. He applied full right rudder, and a short burst of full engine power in attempt to correct for the drift, but the airplane continued to the left, striking trees along the edge of the runway. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the wings and fuselage. The pilot stated that there were no preaccident mechanical anomalies that would have precluded normal operation.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ANC14CA021 for the full record.