Casualties unknown

1998-08-30: Cessna 185E (N1987U) — Anchorage, AK

Anchorage, AK, US

On August 30, 1998, a Cessna 185E (registration N1987U) was involved in an aviation accident near Anchorage, AK. 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 1781061362Data 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.

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.