Casualties unknown

1997-04-16: Cessna A185E (N70194) — Alvin Hirsch — Billings, MT

Billings, MT, US

On April 16, 1997, a Cessna A185E (registration N70194) operated by Alvin Hirsch was involved in an aviation accident near Billings, MT. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The flight instructor's inadequate compensation for the wind conditions. The crosswind conditions were a factor. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 1781061362Data APIEditorial standards

A flight instructor took over controls during a go-around due to turbulence and wind shear. On landing flare, the right wing lifted, left wing struck the runway, and the airplane veered left and tipped onto its nose in a 16-knot quartering crosswind.

Incident Overview

A private pilot, acting as pilot-in-command, was conducting an approach for landing when the aircraft encountered turbulence and wind shear. The pilot decided to execute a go-around and requested the flight instructor to take over the controls for landing, citing the instructor's greater familiarity with the airplane.

Sequence of Events

The flight instructor assumed control and initiated an approach to a different runway. He described the approach as normal given the crosswind conditions. During the landing flare, the right wing lifted, causing the left wing to contact the runway. The instructor attempted to counteract the situation by applying power, right rudder, and aileron control. Despite these efforts, the airplane veered to the left and pitched forward onto its nose.

At the time of the accident, the aircraft was landing with a quartering crosswind from the right at a speed of 16 knots.

Air Traffic Communications

Air traffic communications revealed that neither the pilots of the accident airplane nor other private and commercial aircraft conducting takeoffs and landings reported any turbulence or wind shear conditions to the air traffic controller.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001208X07827. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.