On September 8, 2000, a Cessna A185F (registration N269DP) was involved in an aviation accident near Ruidoso, NM. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during landing, which resulted in a runway excursion. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A pilot landing on runway 06 reported calm winds despite recorded gusts, but witnesses saw the aircraft exit right and strike a light, causing it to nosed over.
What happened
The pilot was conducting a landing operation on runway 06. At approximately 1645, recorded wind data indicated conditions from 170 degrees at 11 knots with gusts reaching 18 knots. By 1652, the winds had shifted to 150 degrees at 11 knots. Despite these recorded meteorological conditions, the pilot reported that the winds were calm at the time of landing.
Witnesses observed the aircraft exiting the right side of the runway surface. The airplane subsequently struck a runway light fixture. This impact caused the left wheel to separate from the airframe. Following the separation, the airplane nosed over onto the ground.
The investigation
The investigation examined the recorded wind data and witness statements regarding the aircraft's path off the runway. The mechanical examination confirmed that the left wheel had separated from the aircraft structure during the excursion.
Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during landing, which resulted in a runway excursion.