N4574F

On July 1, 1998, about 1120 Alaska daylight time, a tundra tire equipped Cessna 185E airplane, N4574F, sustained substantial damage while landing at the Iliamna Airport, Iliamna, Alaska. The airplane was being operated as a local area, visual flight rules (VFR) flight under Title 14, CFR Part 91, when the accident occurred. The airline transport pilot, and the pilot rated passenger aboard, were not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan was filed.

During a telephone conversation with a National Transportation Safety Board investigator the pilot reported that he was practicing touch-and-go landings in a tailwheel airplane. He stated that at the time of the accident, he inadvertently failed to meet the 90 day pilot-in-command currency requirements for a tailwheel airplane. The pilot rated passenger, seated in the right seat, was not a certificated flight instructor.

In his written statement to the NTSB dated July 14, 1998, the pilot reported that that wind conditions at the time of the accident were varied, and were last reported to be from 090 degrees at 9 knots. The pilot stated that just after touchdown on runway 17, the airplane veered to the right. He said that he applied left rudder in an attempt to maintain heading, but the airplane continued to the right. He stated that upon reaching the edge of the runway, he applied the brakes, and the left wheel lost traction in loose gravel. The right wheel maintained traction, and the airplane ground looped to the right. During the ground loop, the left wing, aileron, and left elevator struck the runway and sustained substantial damage.

The closest official weather observation station is Iliamna. On July 1, 1998, at 1153, an Aviation Routine Weather Report (METAR) was reporting in part: Sky conditions and ceiling, 2,900 feet overcast; visibility, 10 statute miles; wind, 159 degrees (magnetic) at 7 knots.

The pilot noted that there were no preaccident mechanical anomalies with the airplane.