Summary
On June 15, 2018, a Cessna 185 (N9964X) was involved in an incident near Big Lake, AK. All 1 person 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 inability to maintain directional control during the landing roll due to a flat tire.
The pilot of the tailwheel-equipped airplane reported that, during landing on a gravel airstrip, when the right main wheel touched down, the airplane veered to the right. He applied full left rudder to no avail. The right wheel exited the runway into soft, sandy soil and the airplane nosed over.
The airplane sustained substantial damage to the wings and empennage.
The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
The pilot added that, after the accident it was pointed out that the airplane had a flat tire, and that there was a tire mark on the gravel runway from where the airplane touched down to where the airplane nosed over.
This incident is documented in NTSB report GAA18CA351. AviatorDB cross-references NTSB investigation data with FAA registry records to provide comprehensive safety information for aircraft N9964X.
Accident Details
Probable Cause and Findings
The pilot’s inability to maintain directional control during the landing roll due to a flat tire.
Aircraft Information
Registered Owner (Current)
Analysis
The pilot of the tailwheel-equipped airplane reported that, during landing on a gravel airstrip, when the right main wheel touched down, the airplane veered to the right. He applied full left rudder to no avail. The right wheel exited the runway into soft, sandy soil and the airplane nosed over.
The airplane sustained substantial damage to the wings and empennage.
The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
The pilot added that, after the accident it was pointed out that the airplane had a flat tire, and that there was a tire mark on the gravel runway from where the airplane touched down to where the airplane nosed over.
Data Source
Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# GAA18CA351