1998-08-30: Cessna 185E — Anchorage, AK

Casualties unknown • Anchorage, AK, US

Probable cause

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

— NTSB Determination

Accident narrative

The airline transport pilot was landing a tailwheel equipped airplane on a paved, dry runway. The pilot stated that on initial touchdown, the airplane bounced and became airborne. He recovered from the bounce, and added power to cushion the decent. He said that as the right main wheel touched down again, the airplane veered to the left, and continued off the left side of the runway. The airplane then nosed over, and received substantial damage to the wings, fuselage, doors, and rudder assembly. The pilot noted that there were no preaccident mechanical anomalies with the airplane.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1998-08-30 Cessna 185E accident near Anchorage, AK?

The airline transport pilot was landing a tailwheel equipped airplane on a paved, dry runway. The pilot stated that on initial touchdown, the airplane bounced and became airborne. He recovered from the bounce, and added power to cushion the decent. He said that as the right main wheel touched down again, the airplane…

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1998-08-30 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.

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