FlightFinder
Check my flight
No fatalities

Tailwheel Airplane Veers Off Runway After Gust Encounter (N185MN)

Hilton Head, SC, US

On March 30, 1999, a Cessna 185 (registration N185MN) was involved in an aviation accident near Hilton Head, SC. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's inadequate evaluation of weather information that resulted in his failure to maintain directional control during landing. Factors were gusting winds, and a tail wind. 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

During landing, a tailwheel airplane encountered wind gusts that raised its right wing, causing a 35-degree rotation and veer off the runway into a concrete culvert, resulting in substantial damage to the left wing and left main landing gear.

Landing and Gust Encounter

The pilot reported that the airplane touched down in the center of the runway on the main landing gear. As the tail wheel started down, the pilot experienced wind gusts that raised the right wing and instantly rotated the airplane 35 degrees to the right. The airplane subsequently veered off the right side of the runway.

Collision and Damage

The airplane collided with a concrete culvert and came to a stop. Substantial damage was sustained by the left wing and left main landing gear. The pilot reported no mechanical problems with the airplane prior to or during the incident.

Weather Conditions

A review of existing weather data disclosed that surface winds were approximately 180 degrees at 14 knots with gusts to 24 knots.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 30 Mar 1999 Cessna 185 accident near Hilton Head, SC?

During landing, a tailwheel airplane encountered wind gusts that raised its right wing, causing a 35-degree rotation and veer off the runway into a concrete culvert, resulting in substantial damage to the left wing and left main landing gear.

Were there any fatalities in the 30 Mar 1999 Cessna 185 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 30 Mar 1999 involved a Cessna 185, registration N185MN, at Hilton Head, SC.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's inadequate evaluation of weather information that resulted in his failure to maintain directional control during landing. Factors were gusting winds, and a tail wind.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001205X00267. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.