Cessna 206 Safety Record

The pilot's continued flight into adverse weather conditions after becoming lost/disoriented. Factors in the accident were rising terrain, a blind/box canyon, and weather conditions consisting of clouds, rain, and fog.

A leak/partial failure of the left main gear brake system. Factors in the accident were a short runway/landing area, and the presence of rocks/boulders at the end of the airstrip.

improper installation of the aileron control bellcrank stop bolts and lock nuts during the manufacturing process which resulted in a binding aileron control surface.

The pilot's inadequate compensation for wind conditions, and inadequate clearance from mountainous terrain. Factors were the downslope winds and downdrafts.

The pilot's failure to attain a proper touchdown point during landing. A factor associated with the accident is the presence of a variable wind condition, and the pilot's decision not to perform a go-around.

the pilot's improper in-flight planning/decision, which resulted in intering a box canyon with insufficient altitude to either execute a turn to safety or outclimb rising terrain. A factor associated with the accident was: the pilot allowed the passenger to influence him to enter the canyon.

The pilot's selection of unsuitable terrain for landing. Factors in the accident were: soft terrain, the use of an oversize nose wheel tire, and the FAA's inadequate field approval process for tundra tires.

Failure of the pilot to maintain control of the airplane, while taxiing. Factors relating to the accident were: the high, gusty, crosswind condition; and loose gravel on the roadway.

The pilot's poor judgment in conducting the flight in the existing high gusting wind conditions. A factor associated with the accident was the operator allowing/dispatching the accident flight in the prevailing weather conditions, and the icy ramp/taxi area.

the failure of the pilot to maintain control of the aircraft while maneuvering by visual reference to the surface in IFR conditions. An additional factor was the pilot's failure to continue with the missed approach.

The pilot's inadequate compensation for the wind conditions, which resulted in his failure to reach the proper touchdown point for landing. Factors related to the accident were: the variable wind condition, and rising terrain (no overrun) at the approach end of the runway.

THE PILOT'S IMPROPER HANDLING OF THE AIRCRAFT (PROLONGED YAWING MANEUVER DURING STEP TAXI TURN), WHICH RESULTED IN UNCOVERING OF THE FUEL TANK OUTLETS AND SUBSEQUENT FUEL STARVATION DURING TAKEOFF.

THE PILOT'S INADEQUATE COMPENSATION FOR THE CROSSWIND CONDITION, WHICH RESULTED IN A FAILURE TO MAINTAIN RUNWAY ALIGNMENT. THE CROSSWIND AND PROXIMITY OF TREES WERE RELATED FACTORS.

engine failure due to low fuel pressure at high power settings and subsequent detonation. A factor was an evasive maneuver to avoid obstacles which precipitated a stall. Additional factors include the hay bales, farm equipment, and the runway berm.

A FAILURE OF THE #2 MAIN ENGINE BEARING AND SUBSEQUENT FATIGUE FAILURE OF THE ENGINE CRANKSHAFT. A FACTOR RELATING TO THE ACCIDENT WAS: THE LACK OF SUITABLE TERRAIN FOR AN EMERGENCY LANDING.