Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot selected unsuitable terrain for landing.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot made a low pass over the gravel airstrip and it appeared to be dry and debris free. He landed and during the roll out the left wheel hit soft mud. He attempted a go around but the airplane would not accelerate and it struck the trees and alder bushes adjacent to the airstrip.
Source record
Factual narrative
On June 20, 1993, at 1115 Alaska daylight time, a wheel equipped Cessna 185 airplane, N1679Z, registered to and operated by the Pilot-in-Command, collided with trees and bushes during an aborted landing and go around attempt on a gravel airstrip near Victory, Alaska. The personal flight, operating under 14 CFR Part 91, departed Anchorage, Alaska and the destination was the accident site. No flight plan was filed and visual meteorological conditions prevailed. The Private Certificated Pilot-in-Command and the two passengers were not injured and the airplane was substantially damaged. According to the Pilot-in-Command he made a low pass and the gravel strip appeared to be dry and free of debris. he line up for a new approach and landed by the red drums marking the threshold. The roll out appeared normal and then the left wheel hit some soft mud. He attempted a go around but the airplane would not accelerate and it ran into the trees and alder bushes adjacent to the airstrip. -