Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain directional control of the airplane during takeoff. Contributing to the accident was the loss of visual reference due to the sun glare.
NTSB analysis
The pilot was departing to the west from a grass airstrip during the late afternoon. As the airplane crested an upslope in the runway surface, the pilot lost visual reference with the ground due to the sun glare blinding him. The pilot could not maintain directional control and collided into a rut. The landing gear collapsed and the airplane came to rest on its belly, substantially damaging the firewall. The pilot reported no preimpact mechanical malfunctions with the airframe or engine that would have precluded normal operation.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN10CA539 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Sep 13, 2010
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Rushville, Nebraska
- Nearest airport
- Private Airsttrip (N/A)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Cessna A185F
- N-number
- N714AL
- Category
- Airplane
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Personal
From the NTSB aviation accident database: N-registered aircraft, events since 2008, data through Oct 28, 2026. The file is published monthly, so the latest weeks are incomplete and recent records can change. The official source is the NTSB aviation investigation search. CheckAero is independent and not affiliated with the NTSB.