Casualties unknown

1998-07-01: Cessna 185E (N4574F) — Iliaska Lodge, Inc. — Iliamna, AK

Iliamna, AK, US

On July 1, 1998, a Cessna 185E (registration N4574F) operated by Iliaska Lodge, Inc. was involved in an aviation accident near Iliamna, AK. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's inadequate compensation for crosswind conditions. Factors associated with the accident were a crosswind and the pilot's lack of recent experience in a tailwheel airplane. 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 certificated airline transport pilot practicing touch-and-go landings in a tailwheel airplane experienced a ground loop after losing directional control, resulting in substantial damage to the left wing, aileron, and elevator.

Accident Details

A certificated airline transport pilot was conducting touch-and-go landings on runway 17 in a tailwheel airplane. According to the pilot, he inadvertently failed to meet the pilot-in-command requirements for operating a tailwheel airplane. The pilot-rated passenger seated in the right seat was not a certificated flight instructor.

Sequence of Events

The pilot reported that wind conditions at the time of the accident were varied, with the last reported wind from 090 degrees at 9 knots. Just after touchdown, the airplane veered to the right. The pilot applied left rudder to maintain heading, but the airplane continued right. Upon reaching the edge of the runway, the pilot applied brakes. The left wheel lost traction in loose gravel, while the right wheel maintained traction, causing the airplane to ground loop to the right.

Damage

During the ground loop, the left wing, aileron, and left elevator struck the runway and sustained substantial damage.

Weather

At 1153, an Aviation Routine Weather Report (METAR) reported wind from 159 degrees magnetic at 7 knots.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001211X10444. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.