Casualties unknown

Landing Gear Strike on Rock During Grass Landing (N8389Q)

Erie, CO, US

On June 13, 1990, a Cessna A185F (registration N8389Q) was involved in an aviation accident near Erie, CO. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: FAILURE OF THE PILOT RECEIVING INSTRUCTION TO CHOOSE SUITABLE TERRAIN FOR THE LANDING. CONTRIBUTING TO THE ACCIDENT WAS THE CFI'S INADEQUATE SUPERVISION. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

A commercial pilot, evaluated by an ATP-rated check pilot-in-command, landed an airplane on grass. The left main landing gear struck a large rock and separated, causing the left wing and propeller to contact the ground. The airplane slid 300 feet and turned 90 degrees before stopping.

Incident Details

During a flight for aircraft rental and insurance evaluation, an ATP-rated check pilot-in-command was assessing a commercial pilot. Both pilots were well experienced in the airplane type. The flight concluded with an attempted landing by the commercial pilot.

Events

The commercial pilot landed the airplane on grass between the runway and taxiway. During the rollout, the left main landing gear struck a large rock. The impact caused the left main landing gear to separate from the airplane. Subsequently, the left wing and propeller struck the ground.

Outcome

The airplane slid approximately 300 feet before turning 90 degrees to the left and coming to a halt. The extent of damage to the aircraft was not specified in the report. No injuries were reported. The investigation did not provide a probable cause for the accident.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 13 Jun 1990 Cessna A185F accident near Erie, CO?

A commercial pilot, evaluated by an ATP-rated check pilot-in-command, landed an airplane on grass. The left main landing gear struck a large rock and separated, causing the left wing and propeller to contact the ground. The airplane slid 300 feet and turned 90 degrees before stopping.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 13 Jun 1990 involved a Cessna A185F, registration N8389Q, at Erie, CO.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

FAILURE OF THE PILOT RECEIVING INSTRUCTION TO CHOOSE SUITABLE TERRAIN FOR THE LANDING. CONTRIBUTING TO THE ACCIDENT WAS THE CFI'S INADEQUATE SUPERVISION.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001212X23391. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.