On October 24, 1995, a Cessna A185E (registration N1613M) was involved in an aviation accident near Liberal, KS. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: the pilot's inadequate compensation for wind conditions, which resulted in a loss of directional control and an inadvertent ground swerve. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
Following landing, a gust of wind caused the airplane to veer right. The pilot applied full left rudder and power, but the left main gear failed, leading to a runway excursion and damage to the left wing tip and tire.
Event Description
After touchdown, the airplane encountered a gust of wind that turned it to the right. The pilot reported applying full left rudder and power in an attempt to correct the deviation. Subsequently, the left main landing gear failed, and the airplane departed the right side of the runway. It came to rest on its nose and right wing.
Damage
Examination of the runway revealed a rubber skid mark followed by metal skid marks. The left tire exhibited scratches on its outer sidewall. The axle had sheared off at the four bolts that attached it to the landing gear. Additionally, the left bottom wing tip was scratched.
Weather Conditions
The reported winds at the airport were from 190 degrees at 23 knots, with gusts reaching 28 knots.