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January 17, 2020 · Cessna 185 D · N1557F

Laytonsville, MD

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
January 17, 2020
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Laytonsville, MD
Aircraft
Cessna 185 D (1965)
Tail Number
N1557F
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
ERA20CA091

After two uneventful circuits in the traffic pattern, the pilot aligned the airplane to the runway for another touch-and-go landing. As he applied engine power, he used the right rudder to center the airplane on the runway. About 50 ft into the takeoff roll, the airplane veered left. The pilot applied right brake and right rudder to correct; however, the airplane became "momentarily airborne." He reduced the engine power, and as the airplane settled back onto the runway, it veered right. The pilot attempted to stop the airplane by applying the brakes; however, it continued off the right side of the runway and traveled through mud, and subsequently, the left main landing gear collapsed. The left wing, left elevator, and left horizontal stabilizer sustained substantial damage. An examination of the wreckage by a Federal Aviation Administration inspector revealed that the airplane came to rest on the left side of the fuselage. The tailwheel attachment tube was separated from the empennage, but the tailwheel control cables remained attached.

NTSB Probable Cause

The failure of the tailwheel attachment tube during the takeoff roll, which resulted in a loss of directional control, a runway excursion, and the left main landing gear collapsing.

Full Narrative

According to the pilot, the purpose of the flight was to practice takeoffs and landings. After two uneventful circuits in the traffic pattern, he aligned the airplane up on runway 8 for another takeoff. As he applied engine power, he used the right rudder to center the airplane on the runway. About 50 ft into the takeoff roll, the airplane veered to the left. The pilot applied right brake and right rudder, however the airplane became "momentarily airborne." He reduced engine power and as the airplane settled back onto the runway, it veered to the right. The pilot attempted to stop the airplane by applying the brakes, however, it continued off the right side of the runway, traveled through mud, and subsequently the left main landing gear collapsed. The left wing, left elevator, and left horizontal stabilizer were substantially damaged in the accident sequence.An examination of the wreckage by a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspector revealed that the airplane came to rest on the left side of the fuselage. The tailwheel attachment tube was separated from the empennage, but the tailwheel control cables remained attached.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time17:05 EST
Nearest AirportDAVIS (0nm SSW)
Runway08
Runway Length2000 ft
Runway Width50 ft
Flight Plan FiledVFR
Flight Plan ActivatedYes
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftCessna 185 D
Tail NumberN1557F
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsContinental · IO-470 SERIES · Reciprocating · 265
Seats4

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 71 · Third Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind310° @ 5 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point30 C / 12 C
Altimeter30.69 inHg
Observation Time21:56
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data