On August 2, 1996, a Cessna 185 (registration N20752) was involved in an aviation accident near Wainwright, AK. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain control of the airplane during the landing roll, which resulted in a nose-over accident. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A pilot attempting to land a cargo-laden aircraft on an off-airport beach site experienced a bounce on initial touchdown. Concerned about proximity to water, she applied brakes, causing the airplane to decelerate rapidly and nose over.
What happened
The pilot reported that she was attempting to land at an off-airport beach site with a load of cargo. The airplane bounced on the initial touchdown. On the following touchdown, the pilot said she became concerned about the proximity of the water at the end of the landing area and applied the brakes. The airplane decelerated, and then nosed over.
The investigation
No further mechanical examination or investigation details were provided in the source material.
Findings
The primary factor leading to the accident was the pilot's decision to apply brakes during the landing roll on an unprepared surface after bouncing. This action caused rapid deceleration and resulted in the aircraft nosing over.
Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain control of the airplane during the landing roll, which resulted in a nose-over accident.