Summary
On September 17, 2017, a Cessna A185 (N123LR) was involved in an incident near Talkeetna, AK. 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 failure to maintain directional control while landing in gusting wind conditions.
The pilot of the tailwheel-equipped airplane reported that, during landing, after a stabilized approach, the airplane touched down on the main gear first for a wheel landing. The airplane bounced twice and shortly before the tail settled on the ground, the "crosswind increased causing the aircraft to weathervane to the left." He added that, he increased left aileron and right rudder to keep the airplane on the gravel airstrip; however, the "wind gust then all but stopped as the tailwheel settled to the ground causing the aircraft to turn rapidly to the right." He further added that, he increased left rudder and brake, but the main gear started to depart the gravel airstrip and enter the softer shoulder.
This incident is documented in NTSB report GAA17CA539. AviatorDB cross-references NTSB investigation data with FAA registry records to provide comprehensive safety information for aircraft N123LR.
Accident Details
Probable Cause and Findings
The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control while landing in gusting wind conditions.
Aircraft Information
Analysis
The pilot of the tailwheel-equipped airplane reported that, during landing, after a stabilized approach, the airplane touched down on the main gear first for a wheel landing. The airplane bounced twice and shortly before the tail settled on the ground, the "crosswind increased causing the aircraft to weathervane to the left." He added that, he increased left aileron and right rudder to keep the airplane on the gravel airstrip; however, the "wind gust then all but stopped as the tailwheel settled to the ground causing the aircraft to turn rapidly to the right." He further added that, he increased left rudder and brake, but the main gear started to depart the gravel airstrip and enter the softer shoulder. The "tail swung to the left of the aircraft direction of travel" and he was unable to correct the continued tightening right turn. Subsequently, the airplane rolled onto the left wing and left horizontal stabilizer and came to rest on the main landing gear.
The airplane sustained substantial damage to the left wing and left horizontal stabilizer
The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
The pilot reported the wind at the accident site, about the time of the accident, as variable at 0 to gusting 10 knots. The pilot landed to the northeast.
Data Source
Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# GAA17CA539