1989-10-08: Cessna 185F — Rockwood, ME

Casualties unknown • Rockwood, ME, US

Probable cause

THE PILOT'S IMPROPER COMPENSATION FOR THE GUSTING CROSSWIND. CONTRIBUTING FACTOR(S) WAS: THE WIND CONDITIONS AND THE PILOT'S SELECTION OF A TOUCHDOWN POINT.

— NTSB Determination

Accident narrative

AFTER THE FLOAT EQUIPPED CESSNA TOUCHED DOWN ON A LAKE, A GUST OF WIND RAISED THE LEFT WING, ALLOWING THE RIGHT WING TO CATCH THE WATER AND CARTWHEEL THE AIRPLANE. THE PILOT REPORTED THAT THE GUST APPEARED TO HAVE COME FROM THE MOUTH OF A RIVER ADJOINING THE LAKE, AND THAT HE SHOULD HAVE TOUCHED DOWN BEFORE THE MOUTH OF THE RIVER.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1989-10-08 Cessna 185F accident near Rockwood, ME?

AFTER THE FLOAT EQUIPPED CESSNA TOUCHED DOWN ON A LAKE, A GUST OF WIND RAISED THE LEFT WING, ALLOWING THE RIGHT WING TO CATCH THE WATER AND CARTWHEEL THE AIRPLANE. THE PILOT REPORTED THAT THE GUST APPEARED TO HAVE COME FROM THE MOUTH OF A RIVER ADJOINING THE LAKE, AND THAT HE SHOULD HAVE TOUCHED DOWN BEFORE THE MOUTH…

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1989-10-08 involved a Cessna 185F, registration N7321H, at Rockwood, ME.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

THE PILOT'S IMPROPER COMPENSATION FOR THE GUSTING CROSSWIND. CONTRIBUTING FACTOR(S) WAS: THE WIND CONDITIONS AND THE PILOT'S SELECTION OF A TOUCHDOWN POINT.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001213X29694. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.

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