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April 15, 2021 · Cessna A185F · N714JE

Anchorage, AK

Overview

Report Status
Probable Cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
April 15, 2021
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (3 uninjured)
Location
Anchorage, AK
Aircraft
Cessna A185F (1983)
Tail Number
N714JE
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
ANC21LA031

The pilot-in-command (PIC) reported that, nothing abnormal with the tailwheel-equipped airplane occurred during initial taxi, takeoff, or during the approach. During the landing, after touchdown, as power was reduced and the airplane began to “settle”, the airplane veered right. He attempted to correct for the veer, added engine power, and the airplane became airborne. During the second flight around the pattern the safety pilot (SP) flew the airplane and the approach with no issues. The SP performed the second landing, and after the touchdown the airplane veered to the right again. The SP and PIC attempted to correct for the veer to no avail. The airplane subsequently continued to veer right, exited the runway on the right side, impacted a snowbank, and came to rest inverted. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the left wing and empennage. The PIC reported that the nature and circumstances of the incident caused him to believe that there was something mechanical that forced the airplane to turn rapidly to the right during both landings. However, the PIC did not know what that could be. The airplane had a wheel alignment performed the day before the accident, and the airplane was taxi tested with an additional two takeoffs and landings with the airplane “tracking satisfactory”, before being signed-off. A post-accident examination of the airplane by a Federal Aviation Administration inspector revealed no mechanical failures or malfunctions. It was noted that the alignment of the main landing gear and wheel could not be determined due to the amount of side-load the airplane experienced during the accident.

NTSB Probable Cause

A loss of control during landing for reasons that could not be determined based on the available evidence.

Full Narrative

The pilot-in-command (PIC) reported that, nothing abnormal with the tailwheel-equipped airplane occurred during initial taxi, takeoff, or during the approach. During the landing, after touchdown, as power was reduced and the airplane began to “settle”, the airplane veered right. He attempted to correct for the veer, added engine power, and the airplane became airborne. During the second flight around the pattern the safety pilot (SP) flew the airplane and the approach with no issues. The SP performed the second landing, and after the touchdown the airplane veered to the right again. The SP and PIC attempted to correct for the veer to no avail. The airplane subsequently continued to veer right, exited the runway on the right side, impacted a snowbank, and came to rest inverted. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the left wing and empennage. The PIC reported that the nature and circumstances of the incident caused him to believe that there was something mechanical that forced the airplane to turn rapidly to the right during both landings. However, the PIC did not know what that could be. The airplane had a wheel alignment performed the day before the accident, and the airplane was taxi tested with an additional two takeoffs and landings with the airplane “tracking satisfactory”, before being signed-off. A post-accident examination of the airplane by a Federal Aviation Administration inspector revealed no mechanical failures or malfunctions. It was noted that the alignment of the main landing gear and wheel could not be determined due to the amount of side-load the airplane experienced during the accident.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time12:00 AKDT
Nearest AirportMerrill Fld (0nm NE)
Runway25
Runway Length4000 ft
Runway Width100 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftCessna A185F
Tail NumberN714JE
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsCont Motor · IO 520-D · Reciprocating · 300
Seats4

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (3 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured3
Total3
Crew 1Age 51 · First Class · None
Crew 2Age 22 · First Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
WindCalm
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point45 F / 28 F
Altimeter30.27 inHg
Observation Time11:53
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data