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September 17, 2017 · Cessna A185 E · N123LR

Talkeetna, AK

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
September 17, 2017
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (4 uninjured)
Location
Talkeetna, AK
Aircraft
Cessna A185 E (1969)
Tail Number
N123LR
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
GAA17CA539

The pilot of the tailwheel-equipped airplane reported that, during landing, after a stabilized approach, the airplane touched down on the main landing gear (MLG) first for a wheel landing. The airplane bounced twice, and shortly before the tail settled on the ground, the "crosswind increased causing the aircraft to weathervane to the left." He added that he increased left aileron and right rudder to keep the airplane on the gravel airstrip; however, the "wind gust then all but stopped as the tailwheel settled to the ground causing the aircraft to turn rapidly to the right." He further added that he increased left rudder and brake, but the MLG started to depart the gravel airstrip and enter the softer shoulder. The "tail swung to the left of the aircraft direction of travel," and he was unable to correct the continued tightening right turn. Subsequently, the airplane rolled onto the left wing and left horizontal stabilizer and came to rest on the MLG. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the left wing and left horizontal stabilizer. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. The pilot reported the wind at the accident site, about the time of the accident, as variable, gusting to 10 knots. The pilot landed to the northeast.

NTSB Probable Cause

Aircraft-Aircraft oper/perf/capability-Performance/control parameters-Directional control-Not attained/maintained - C

Full Narrative

The pilot of the tailwheel-equipped airplane reported that, during landing, after a stabilized approach, the airplane touched down on the main gear first for a wheel landing. The airplane bounced twice and shortly before the tail settled on the ground, the "crosswind increased causing the aircraft to weathervane to the left." He added that, he increased left aileron and right rudder to keep the airplane on the gravel airstrip; however, the "wind gust then all but stopped as the tailwheel settled to the ground causing the aircraft to turn rapidly to the right." He further added that, he increased left rudder and brake, but the main gear started to depart the gravel airstrip and enter the softer shoulder. The "tail swung to the left of the aircraft direction of travel" and he was unable to correct the continued tightening right turn. Subsequently, the airplane rolled onto the left wing and left horizontal stabilizer and came to rest on the main landing gear. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the left wing and left horizontal stabilizer The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. The pilot reported the wind at the accident site, about the time of the accident, as variable at 0 to gusting 10 knots. The pilot landed to the northeast.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time16:30 AKDT
Nearest Airport0nm
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftCessna A185 E
Tail NumberN123LR
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsContinental · IO-550D2B · Reciprocating · 300
Seats6

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (4 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured4
Total4
Crew 1Age 37 · Basc · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind4 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingBroken clouds 10000 ft
Temperature / Dew Point61 F / 39 C
Altimeter29.27 inHg
Observation Time00:53
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data