On June 11, 1996, a Cessna 185F (registration N56581) operated by National Park Service was involved in an aviation accident near Gustavus, AK. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's inadequate compensation for the wind conditions. A factor associated with the accident was a crosswind. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 7 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
During landing on a hard surfaced runway, a tailwheel airplane with oversized Tundra tires veered right. The pilot applied left aileron and brakes, resulting in left wing scraping, a flat left main tire, and left aileron damage.
Incident Details
A tailwheel airplane equipped with oversized 'Tundra' tires experienced a directional control issue during landing on a hard surfaced runway. The aircraft's main landing gear wheels were fitted with these larger-than-standard tires.
Pilot Account
The pilot reported that immediately after touchdown, the airplane began to veer to the right. Sensing a crosswind, he applied left aileron input. He also applied the brakes. Shortly thereafter, he heard the left wing scraping against the runway surface.
Damage
Upon exiting the airplane, the pilot observed that the left main tire was flat and the left aileron had sustained damage. No other damage was mentioned in the source.
Frequently asked questions
What happened in the 11 Jun 1996 Cessna 185F accident near Gustavus, AK?
During landing on a hard surfaced runway, a tailwheel airplane with oversized Tundra tires veered right. The pilot applied left aileron and brakes, resulting in left wing scraping, a flat left main tire, and left aileron damage.
Were there any fatalities in the 11 Jun 1996 Cessna 185F accident?
No fatalities were recorded in this accident.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 11 Jun 1996 involved a Cessna 185F, registration N56581, operated by National Park Service, at Gustavus, AK.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The pilot's inadequate compensation for the wind conditions. A factor associated with the accident was a crosswind.