Casualties unknown

1995-10-22: Cessna 185 (N4755Q) — Yakutat, AK

Yakutat, AK, US

On October 22, 1995, a Cessna 185 (registration N4755Q) was involved in an aviation accident near Yakutat, AK. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's improper planning/decision, which resulted in his failure (or inability) to maintain directional control of the airplane, while attempting to negotiate a bend (dog-leg) in the runway. 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 1781061362Data APIEditorial standards

A private pilot landing on a wet 1,600-foot grass strip with a 15-degree bend failed to turn at the dogleg. The left wingtip struck bushes, spinning the aircraft and causing damage to both wings, tail assembly, and landing gear.

Accident Details

A certificated private pilot was performing a landing on a wet, 1,600-foot long grass covered airstrip, approaching from the north to land toward the south. Approximately halfway along the landing area, the strip featured a 15-degree bend to the right. During the landing roll, the pilot attempted to turn the airplane to the right at the dogleg, but the airplane did not respond as expected. Subsequently, the left wingtip struck several bushes, causing the airplane to spin sideways.

Damage

The airplane sustained damage to both wings, the tail assembly, and the landing gear as a result of the accident sequence.

Weather

The pilot reported that the wind was from the southeast with gusts to about 15 knots. Witnesses on the ground indicated that, after the accident, gusty wind conditions varied from the north and east.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001207X04624. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.