Summary
On April 26, 2008, a Cessna 185E (N185NH) was involved in an incident near Bend, OR. All 4 people aboard were uninjured. The aircraft sustained substantial damage.
The National Transportation Safety Board determined the probable cause of this incident to be: The pilot's inadequate compensation for the crosswind condition and failure to maintain directional control. Contributing to the accident was an unexpected crosswind gust.
During the time the pilot was inbound to the airport, the winds were reported as variable in direction at five knots or less. While on final for a full-stop landing, the pilot encountered some mild thermal turbulence. Although the flare and touchdown were uneventful, during the landing roll, the airplane encountered a gusting crosswind, and the pilot was unable to maintain directional control. After the pilot lost directional control, the airplane's right wing tip impacted the runway surface. The surface impact resulted in the most outboard one foot of the right aileron being bent down about 45 degrees and aft about 30 degrees. Inspection of the aircraft found no anomalies in the flight control or tail wheel steering systems.
This incident is documented in NTSB report SEA08CA112. AviatorDB cross-references NTSB investigation data with FAA registry records to provide comprehensive safety information for aircraft N185NH.
Accident Details
Probable Cause and Findings
The pilot's inadequate compensation for the crosswind condition and failure to maintain directional control. Contributing to the accident was an unexpected crosswind gust.
Aircraft Information
Registered Owner (Current)
Analysis
During the time the pilot was inbound to the airport, the winds were reported as variable in direction at five knots or less. While on final for a full-stop landing, the pilot encountered some mild thermal turbulence. Although the flare and touchdown were uneventful, during the landing roll, the airplane encountered a gusting crosswind, and the pilot was unable to maintain directional control. After the pilot lost directional control, the airplane's right wing tip impacted the runway surface. The surface impact resulted in the most outboard one foot of the right aileron being bent down about 45 degrees and aft about 30 degrees. Inspection of the aircraft found no anomalies in the flight control or tail wheel steering systems.
Data Source
Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# SEA08CA112