Cessna A185 N1979T and Amateur-built FK1 STOL N4XK accident near Dixie, Idaho

Probable cause

The failure of the experimental FK1 pilot to maintain clearance from a parked airplane while landing.

NTSB analysis

According to the pilots of both airplanes, they were flying to the airport where the accident occurred as a flight of two. After arriving at the airport, the Cessna 185 pilot overflew the runway and requested that a friend on the ground check the condition of the snow-covered runway, which was reported as being in excellent condition, smooth and well-compacted. The Cessna 185 pilot landed and taxied to the end of the runway where he turned his airplane around and shut it down. The experimental FK1, which was equipped with skis instead of wheels, landed and was not slowing at the rate the pilot expected. The pilot said that, because of a lack of rudder effectiveness, the experimental FK1 veered uncontrollably to the left and struck the other airplane head on. The Cessna 185 sustained structural damage to the firewall. Both pilots reported no mechanical problems with either the airframes or engines of their respective airplanes. The pilot of the experimental FK1 stated that landing on skis at an unfamiliar airport, with untried surface conditions and with an airplane near the rollout area, was not recommended.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for WPR10LA155 for the full record.