Casualties unknown

2000-08-12: Cessna 185F (N20752) — Barrow, AK

Barrow, AK, US

On August 12, 2000, a Cessna 185F (registration N20752) was involved in an aviation accident near Barrow, AK. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's selection of unsuitable terrain for landing. A factor in the accident was a hidden obstruction, and soft terrain. 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 landed a tailwheel airplane on tundra with tall grass. During the landing roll, the aircraft bounced over an unseen bump, became airborne, then touched down in soft mud and nosed over, damaging the propeller, lift struts, vertical stabilizer, and rudder.

Incident Overview

An airline transport certificated pilot was conducting the landing phase of an on-demand air taxi flight in a tailwheel-equipped airplane. The intended landing area was a large expanse of tundra covered with eight to ten inch tall grass, situated adjacent to a fishing camp. The preceding day, heavy rainfall had affected the entire north coast of Alaska.

Landing Sequence

The pilot reported executing a landing into the wind, with a heading toward the north. During the landing roll, as the pilot applied the brakes, the airplane encountered an unseen bump, which caused it to bounce and become briefly airborne, rising approximately 12 inches above the surface. Upon subsequent touchdown, the main wheels came into contact with soft mud.

Damage and Outcome

The encounter with the soft mud resulted in the airplane nosing over. Post-accident inspection revealed damage to the propeller, the wing lift struts, the vertical stabilizer, and the rudder. The source provides no information on injuries, fatalities, or the specific aircraft make, model, or registration.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001212X21631. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.