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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

May 21, 1999 · Cessna A185E · N50AU

Othello, WA

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
May 21, 1999
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Othello, WA
Aircraft
Cessna A185E
Tail Number
N50AU
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
SEA99LA076

As the pilot started turning final on runway 25, he noted a little drift to the right, but he said he straightened out easily and flew straight on touchdown. The aircraft was still flying straight as it was slowing down, when a gust of wind weathercocked the airplane toward the left. The airplane left the runway heading towards a hay field, but before reaching the field, the right landing gear hit a concrete drain inspection pipe, separating the landing gear. The right wing tip struck the ground, turning the aircraft to the right.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's inadequate compensation for wind conditions after landing. Factors include gusty winds.

Full Narrative

On May 21, 1999, approximately 1300 Pacific daylight time, a Cessna A185E, N50AU, sustained substantial damage during a ground-loop after landing on runway 25 at Othello, Washington. The private pilot, the sole occupant, was uninjured during this personal flight from Pasco, Washington. There was no flight plan filed for the flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the accident. There was no report of an ELT actuating. The pilot stated that he encountered a gust of wind during the landing roll and the airplane ground-looped, damaging the right landing gear and the right wing struck the ground. He stated that "As I started turning final on runway 25 there was a little drift to the right, but I straightened out easily and I flew straight on touchdown. The aircraft was still flying straight as I was slowing down when all of a sudden a gust of wind came and weathervaned me toward the left . I left the runway heading towards a hay field, but before I got to the field the right landing gear hit a concrete drain inspection pipe. This sheared the landing gear off, which caused the right wing to hit the ground, turning the aircraft to the right stopping the plane."

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time13:00 PDT
Nearest AirportOthello Municipal (0nm)
Runway25
Runway Length4200 ft
Runway Width45 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftCessna A185E
Tail NumberN50AU
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsContinental · IO-520D · Reciprocating · 300
Seats4

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 48 · Third Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind200° @ 9 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point66 F / 37 C
Altimeter30.00 inHg
Observation Time13:50
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data