Aircraft excursion during landing on grass airstrip

Casualties unknown • Yakutat, AK, US

A private pilot experienced a loss of directional control during the landing roll on a wet, grass-covered runway, resulting in damage to the aircraft.

What happened

A certificated private pilot was performing a landing toward the south on a grass-covered airstrip measuring 1,600 feet in length. The surface of the strip was wet at the time of the accident. Approximately halfway down the runway, the landing area featured a 15-degree bend to the right.

During the landing roll, the pilot attempted to execute a right turn to follow the dogleg in the airstrip; however, the aircraft did not respond to the control inputs. As a result of the failure to turn, the left wingtip made contact with several bushes, which caused the airplane to spin sideways. The impact resulted in damage to both wings, the tail assembly, and the landing gear. The pilot was not injured.

Weather conditions at the time of the accident involved winds from the southeast with gusts reaching approximately 15 knots. Ground witnesses noted that following the accident, gusty wind conditions were observed varying from the north and east.

Probable cause

The aircraft failed to respond to directional control inputs during the landing roll at a bend in the runway.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1995-10-22 Cessna 185 accident near Yakutat, AK?

A private pilot experienced a loss of directional control during the landing roll on a wet, grass-covered runway, resulting in damage to the aircraft.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1995-10-22 involved a Cessna 185, registration N4755Q, at Yakutat, AK.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The aircraft failed to respond to directional control inputs during the landing roll at a bend in the runway.

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.

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