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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

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October 20, 2020 · Cessna 185 E · N850WB

Anchorage, AK

Overview

Report Status
Probable Cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
October 20, 2020
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (2 uninjured)
Location
Anchorage, AK
Aircraft
Cessna 185 E (1968)
Tail Number
N850WB
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
ANC21LA002

The pilot receiving instruction reported that he and the flight instructor were practicing takeoffs and landings in his airplane. On the second landing, during the landing roll, the airplane veered to the right and exited the runway onto soft terrain, and the airplane then spun abruptly to the right. The left wing and left elevator struck the ground, which resulted in substantial damage to the left wing, left aileron, left horizontal stabilizer, and left elevator. The pilot receiving instruction reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation and that the accident might have been prevented if he had reacted more quickly and prevented the airplane from departing the runway.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot receiving instruction’s failure to maintain directional control during the landing roll, which resulted in a runway excursion onto soft terrain. Contributing to the accident was the flight instructor's inadequate supervision of the pilot while landing.

Full Narrative

The pilot receiving instruction reported that he and the flight instructor were practicing takeoffs and landings in his airplane. On the second landing, during the landing roll, the airplane veered to the right and exited the runway onto soft terrain, and the airplane then spun abruptly to the right. The left wing and left elevator struck the ground, which resulted in substantial damage to the left wing, left aileron, left horizontal stabilizer, and left elevator. The pilot receiving instruction reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation and that the accident might have been prevented if he had reacted more quickly and prevented the airplane from departing the runway.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time14:15 AKDT
Nearest AirportBirchwood Airport (0nm)
Runway02L
Runway Length4010 ft
Runway Width100 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftCessna 185 E
Tail NumberN850WB
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsContinental · IO-520D · Reciprocating · 300
Seats6

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (2 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured2
Total2
Crew 1Age 63 · Third Class · None
Crew 2Age 69 · Second Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind230° @ 4 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point36 F / 28 F
Altimeter30.42 inHg
Observation Time13:56

Appendix: Source Data