Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the takeoff roll.
NTSB analysis
The pilot reported that he was attempting to take off from runway 24. Approximately 200 feet down the runway he prematurely lifted the tailwheel of his airplane and lost directional control. The airplane veered to the left, exited the runway, and struck a runway light. The right main gear separated from the airplane and the right wing collided with the ground. During the accident sequence, the airplane incurred substantial damage to the right wing and fuselage. The nearest airport's weather observation system reported wind from 170 degrees at 13 knots, gusting to 17 knots, at the time of the accident.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ERA11CA277 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- May 3, 2011
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Ocean City, New Jersey
- Nearest airport
- Ocean City Municipal (26N)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Cessna A185F
- N-number
- N6389E
- 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.