Cessna 185 N4764B accident near Eden Prairie, Minnesota

Probable cause

The pilot's loss of directional control during takeoff with a gusty crosswind.

NTSB analysis

While attempting to takeoff with a left crosswind of 10 knots gusting to 17 knots, the pilot began the takeoff roll with 1/2 throttle. He then advanced the throttle to full forward and pushed the control yoke forward to lift the tail. The airplane began to veer to the left with insufficient airspeed to lift off from the runway. The pilot aborted the takeoff and applied brakes. However, the airplane continued forward and collided with a snow bank, nosed over, and came to rest inverted. Substantial damage was sustained to the vertical stabilizer. The pilot reported that there were no mechanical malfunctions or failures prior to the accident. In addition, the pilot reported that the accident could have been prevented had he kept the tailwheel in contact with the runway longer and/or departed on a runway better aligned with the wind.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN14CA154 for the full record.