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Casualties unknown

Left Main Tire Deflation During Landing Roll Results in Ground Loop (N4145Y)

Teller, AK, US

On August 15, 1995, a Cessna 185A (registration N4145Y) was involved in an aviation accident near Teller, AK. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: DEFLATION OF THE LEFT MAIN TUNDRA TIRE DUE TO VALVE STEM DAMAGE (FAILURE) WHEN THE TIRE ROTATED INDEPENDENTLY OF THE WHEEL RIM, RESULTING IN LOSS OF DIRECTIONAL CONTROL AND A GROUND SWERVE. 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 and three passengers were landing at a Coast Guard station when the left main tire suddenly deflated, causing a ground loop. The aircraft sustained damage to the left wing, aileron, and horizontal stabilizer. Inspection revealed the tire had rotated independently from the wheel rim, damaging the valve stem.

Incident Overview

A certificated commercial pilot and three passengers were landing at a Coast Guard station to begin work. The runway, constructed of asphalt, had a length of 4,500 feet. The airplane was equipped with large tundra tires fitted with larger than standard wheel adapters.

During the landing roll, the left main tire suddenly deflated. This loss of tire pressure caused the airplane to ground loop. The ground loop resulted in damage to the left wing, left aileron, and left horizontal stabilizer.

Inspection Findings

An inspection of the left main tire revealed that it had rotated independently from the wheel rim along the tire bead. This rotation damaged the tire tube valve stem, leading to the deflation of the tire.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 15 Aug 1995 Cessna 185A accident near Teller, AK?

A commercial pilot and three passengers were landing at a Coast Guard station when the left main tire suddenly deflated, causing a ground loop. The aircraft sustained damage to the left wing, aileron, and horizontal stabilizer. Inspection revealed the tire had rotated independently from the wheel rim, damaging the…

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 15 Aug 1995 involved a Cessna 185A, registration N4145Y, at Teller, AK.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

DEFLATION OF THE LEFT MAIN TUNDRA TIRE DUE TO VALVE STEM DAMAGE (FAILURE) WHEN THE TIRE ROTATED INDEPENDENTLY OF THE WHEEL RIM, RESULTING IN LOSS OF DIRECTIONAL CONTROL AND A GROUND SWERVE.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001207X04134. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.