No fatalities

Tailwheel Airplane Noses Over After Runway Excursion During Landing (N1987U)

Anchorage, AK, US

On August 30, 1998, a Cessna 185E (registration N1987U) was involved in an aviation accident near Anchorage, AK. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's inadvertent ground loop/swerve. A factor associated with the accident was the pilot's inadequate recovery from a bounced landing. 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 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

An airline transport pilot landing a tailwheel airplane on a dry paved runway experienced a bounce, veered left off the runway, and nosed over, resulting in substantial damage.

Accident Overview

An airline transport pilot was conducting a landing in a tailwheel-equipped airplane on a paved, dry runway. During the landing sequence, the airplane touched down initially but then bounced, becoming airborne again. The pilot recovered from the bounce by adding power to cushion the descent.

Pilot's Account

According to the pilot, as the right main wheel made contact with the runway a second time, the airplane abruptly veered to the left. It continued off the left side of the runway and subsequently nosed over. The pilot reported that no preaccident mechanical anomalies were present with the airplane.

Damage

The airplane sustained substantial damage to the wings, fuselage, doors, and rudder assembly as a result of the nose-over.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 30 Aug 1998 Cessna 185E accident near Anchorage, AK?

An airline transport pilot landing a tailwheel airplane on a dry paved runway experienced a bounce, veered left off the runway, and nosed over, resulting in substantial damage.

Were there any fatalities in the 30 Aug 1998 Cessna 185E accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 30 Aug 1998 involved a Cessna 185E, registration N1987U, at Anchorage, AK.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's inadvertent ground loop/swerve. A factor associated with the accident was the pilot's inadequate recovery from a bounced landing.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001211X10751. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.