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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

NTSB Reports is an independent research and search tool for public aviation accident and incident records. It brings NTSB aviation reports, structured fields, docket files, extracted figures, photos, videos, and update history into one searchable interface.

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NTSB Report

March 1, 1999 · Cessna 185 · N9823X

Durango, CO

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
March 1, 1999
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Durango, CO
Aircraft
Cessna 185
Tail Number
N9823X
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
DEN99LA045

The pilot said the wind was 'steady at 14 mph, gusting to 24 mph,' between 240 and 260 degrees, as he attempted to make a crosswind wheel landing on runway 20. When the airplane touched down, the left wheel 'skidded' when left brake was applied. The airplane ground looped and departed the right side of the runway, incurring substantial damage to the left wing. The airplane was FAA certificated under Type Certificate 3A24. No maximum or demonstrated crosswind component is listed in the Pilot's Operating Handbook.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's failure to maintain directional control and inadvertently allowing the airplane to ground loop. Factors were gusty crosswind conditions, pertinent crosswind information not made available by the manufacturer, and FAA's inadequate certification and approval of the airplane.

Full Narrative

On March 1, 1999, at 1602 mountain standard time, Cessna 185, N9823X, was substantially damaged when it collided with terrain during landing roll at the Durango-La Plata County Airport, Durango, Colorado. The private pilot, the sole occupant aboard, was not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan had been filed for the personal flight being conducted under Title 14 CFR Part 91. The flight originated at Durango approximately 1545. According his accident report, the pilot said the wind was "steady at 14 mph, gusting to 24 mph," between 240 and 260 degrees, as he attempted to make a crosswind wheel landing on runway 20. When the airplane touched down, the left wheel "skidded" when left brake was applied. The airplane ground looped and departed the right side of the runway, incurring substantial damage to the left wing. N9823X, a 1961 Cessna 185, was certificated by the Federal Aviation Administration under Type Certificate 3A24. No maximum or demonstrated crosswind component is listed in the Pilot's Operating Handbook. According to FAA's Flight Standards District Office in Salt Lake City, Utah, this was the pilot's fourth accident and the third one in this particular airplane, to wit: August 16, 1989 Cessna 185 N9823X August 16, 1990 Mooney M20 N100JM June 13, 1992 Cessna 185 N9823X March 1, 1999 Cessna 185 N9823X

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time16:02 MST
Nearest AirportDurango-La Plata County (0nm)
Runway20
Runway Length9201 ft
Runway Width150 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftCessna 185
Tail NumberN9823X
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsContinental · IO-470-F · Reciprocating · 260
Seats4

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 67 · Third Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind280° @ 13 kt, gusting 20 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point61 F / 12 C
Altimeter29.00 inHg
Observation Time23:53
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data