Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain directional control. A contributing factor was the rough terrain.
NTSB analysis
During takeoff from a washboard surfaced dirt road in a tail wheel equipped airplane, the pilot failed to maintain directional control. As the pilot was attempting to regain control of the airplane, it drifted off the left side of the road and struck several large rocks, which resulted in the collapse of one of the main landing gear legs. Examination of the airplane revealed that there was structural damage to the empennage and left wing. No anomalies were noted with the airplanes flight controls or tail wheel steering system.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for SEA08CA197 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Sep 4, 2008
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Lakeview, Oregon
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Cessna A185F
- N-number
- N185ZZ
- Category
- Airplane
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Public aircraft
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.