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NTSB Report

May 7, 2017 · Cessna A185 F · N873SL

Big Rapids, MI

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
May 7, 2017
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Big Rapids, MI
Aircraft
Cessna A185 F (1977)
Tail Number
N873SL
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
GAA17CA271

The pilot in the tailwheel-gear-equipped airplane reported that he was practicing takeoffs and landings and had accomplished a wheel landing on runway 27. During the landing roll, the tailwheel contacted the ground, and the airplane encountered a wind gust from the right. The pilot recalled that the right aileron was into the wind with left rudder and no power applied. The right wing rose, and the airplane began to weathervane. He added full engine power and full left rudder. The "right main" descended back to the ground, but the airplane exited the runway to the right. The airplane encountered a berm and became airborne. The airplane descended to the ground and spun about its nose to the left. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the left wing spar and the left main landing gear attachment points. The pilot reported that, when he checked the weather before he began practicing takeoffs and landings, the wind was from 320° at 10 knots but, about the time of the accident, the METAR reported that wind was from 350° at 15 knots gusting to 22 knots. The crosswind component was 18 knots. Per the National Transportation Safety Board Pilot Aircraft Accident Report, the pilot remarked that the accident could have been prevented by setting "personal limitations" and by checking the Automatic Terminal Information System "every two pattern practices." The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot’s failure to obtain updated weather information while practicing takeoffs and landings and his subsequent failure to maintain directional control during the landing roll in gusting crosswind conditions.

Full Narrative

The pilot in the tailwheel gear-equipped airplane reported that he had accomplished a wheel landing on runway 27. During the landing roll, the tailwheel contacted the ground and the airplane encountered a wind gust from the right. The pilot recalled that the right aileron was into the wind and with left rudder and no power applied. The right wing ascended and the airplane began to weathervane. He added full engine power and full left rudder. The right main descended back to the ground but the airplane exited the runway to the right. The airplane encountered a berm and became airborne. The airplane descended back to the ground and spun about the nose to the left. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the left wing spar and the left main landing gear attachment points. The METAR reported that about the time of the accident, wind was from 350 ° at 15 kts. gusting to 22 kts. The crosswind component was 18 kts. Per the National Transportation Safety Board Pilot Aircraft Accident Report, the pilot remarked that the accident could have been prevented by setting personal limitations and by checking the Automatic Terminal Information System every 2 patterns. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time10:10 EDT
Nearest AirportRoben-Hood (0nm NNW)
Runway27
Runway Length4300 ft
Runway Width75 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftCessna A185 F
Tail NumberN873SL
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsContinental · IO-520 · Reciprocating · 300
Seats4

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 41 · Third Class · Minor

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind350° @ 15 kt, gusting 22 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point43 C / 21 C
Altimeter29.93 inHg
Observation Time14:14
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data