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NTSB Report

May 5, 2018 · Cessna A185 F · N76SC

Chandler, AZ

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
May 5, 2018
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (2 uninjured)
Location
Chandler, AZ
Aircraft
Cessna A185 F (1981)
Tail Number
N76SC
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
GAA18CA256

The pilot of the tailwheel-equipped airplane reported that, during final approach, the airplane required about 10° of crab to the right to maintain alignment with the runway. During the landing flare, he reduced power to idle, slowly applied rudder to align the fuselage with the runway centerline, and added right aileron to counter the crosswind. He added that, during the three-point landing, the airplane bounced. During the landing roll, he had full right aileron countering the wind when a "perceived" gust lifted the right wing. He held full right aileron, full aft yoke, and used the rudder to maintain alignment. Subsequently, about 40 knots groundspeed, the left main landing gear collapsed, and the left wing impacted the runway. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the left wing and aileron. The pilot reported that the left main landing gear detached from the airplane. The automated weather observation system located at the accident airport reported that, about 20 minutes before the accident, the wind was from 110° at 8 knots, gusting to 19 knots. The same observation system reported that, about 10 minutes after the accident, the wind was from 150° at 13 knots, gusting to 21 knots. The pilot landed on runway 4R.

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 final approach, the airplane required about 10 degrees of crab to the right to maintain alignment with the runway. During the landing flare, he reduced power to idle, slowly applied rudder to align the fuselage with the runway centerline, and added right aileron to counter the crosswind. He added that, during the 3-point landing, the airplane bounced. During the landing roll, he had full right aileron countering the wind when a "perceived" gust lifted the right wing. He held full right aileron, full aft yoke, and used the rudder to maintain alignment. Subsequently, about 40 knots groundspeed, the left main landing gear collapsed, and the left wing impacted the runway. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the left wing and aileron. The pilot reported that the left main landing gear detached from the airplane. The Federal Aviation Administration inspector reported that, the airplane had been in an accident in 1990 and repaired in 1995. He added that, the maintenance records show that the left gear and left wing (along with several other items) had been replaced during the 1995 repair. He also reported, the landing gear bolt was bent and the threads on the nut were stripped. The automated weather observation system located at the accident airport reported that, about 20 minutes before the accident, the wind was from 110° at 8 knots, gusting to 19 knots. The same observation system reported that, about 10 minutes after the accident, the wind was from 150° at 13 knots, gusting to 21 knots. The pilot landed on runway 4R.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time11:05 MST
Nearest AirportChandler Muni (0nm NW)
Runway04R
Runway Length4870 ft
Runway Width75 ft
Flight Plan FiledVFR
Flight Plan ActivatedYes
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftCessna A185 F
Tail NumberN76SC
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsContinental · IO-520-D · Reciprocating · 300
Seats4

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (2 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured2
Total2
Crew 1Age 76 · Second Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind150° @ 13 kt, gusting 21 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point25 C
Altimeter29.97 inHg
Observation Time18:15
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data