No fatalities

Pilot Aborts Landing After Tailwheel Contact; Left Wing Strikes Runway (N70162)

Fairbanks, AK, US

On May 29, 2003, a Cessna 185 (registration N70162) operated by Bureau OF Land Management was involved in an aviation accident near Fairbanks, AK. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's inadequate compensation for a crosswing during the landing roll. A factor contribuiting to the accident was the presence of a crosswind. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 8 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards
Aircraft registered N70162
Aircraft registered N70162. Photo: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service / Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

An airline transport pilot aborted a landing in a tailwheel airplane after the right wing began to rise upon tailwheel contact. During the go-around, the left wing struck the runway. Post-flight inspection revealed damage to wing ribs.

Accident Overview

An airline transport certificated pilot was performing a full-stop landing in a tailwheel and tundra tire-equipped airplane when a crosswind condition led to an abnormal event. The pilot reported a 15-knot right quartering crosswind during the approach and touchdown.

Landing and Abort

As the tailwheel touched the runway surface, the right wing began to rise. In response, the pilot added engine power to abort the landing. However, during the transition to a go-around, as the airplane became airborne, the left wing struck the runway.

Subsequent Landing and Inspection

After the wing strike, the pilot continued the go-around and performed an uneventful landing on a subsequent attempt. An examination of the left wing disclosed damage to the outboard left wing rib and the outboard left aileron rib. No other damage was reported.

Pilot Details

The pilot held an airline transport certificate. The specific aircraft type, registration, and operator were not provided in the source. The flight was conducted under unknown conditions beyond the reported crosswind.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 29 May 2003 Cessna 185 accident near Fairbanks, AK?

An airline transport pilot aborted a landing in a tailwheel airplane after the right wing began to rise upon tailwheel contact. During the go-around, the left wing struck the runway. Post-flight inspection revealed damage to wing ribs.

Were there any fatalities in the 29 May 2003 Cessna 185 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 29 May 2003 involved a Cessna 185, registration N70162, operated by Bureau OF Land Management, at Fairbanks, AK.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's inadequate compensation for a crosswing during the landing roll. A factor contribuiting to the accident was the presence of a crosswind.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20030606X00810. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.