On April 6, 1996, a Cessna 185 (registration N1692M) operated by Donald J. Hoshaw was involved in an aviation accident near Fairbanks, AK. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's inadequate compensation for the wind conditions. A factor in the accident was the gusty wind conditions. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A ski-equipped airplane encountered turbulence and a gust on landing, veered left, lost its right ski, hit a snow berm, and nosed over. The pilot estimated gusty winds.
Accident Summary
A ski-equipped airplane sustained damage after veering off the runway during the landing roll and striking a snow berm, resulting in a nose-over. The incident occurred during a landing on a ski strip after the pilot encountered low-level turbulence on final approach.
Sequence of Events
The pilot reported that while on final approach, the airplane encountered low-level turbulence. After touching down on the ski strip, a gust of wind lifted the left wing during the landing roll. The airplane subsequently veered to the left, causing the right ski to break off. The airplane continued off the side of the runway and struck a snow berm, which resulted in the airplane nosing over.
Weather Conditions
The pilot estimated the wind conditions at the time of landing to be from 130 degrees at 11 knots with gusts to 22 knots. The Fairbanks weather observation facility reported winds from 160 degrees at 10 knots.