On September 12, 2005, a Cessna 185F (registration N58316) operated by Brooks Range Aviation was involved in an aviation accident near Bettles, AK. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's inadequate compensation for a gusty crosswind, which resulted in a loss of control and an inadvertent ground-loop during the landing roll. Factors associated with the accident were the ground-loop and gusts. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 2 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
A tailwheel-equipped airplane performing an on-demand passenger flight ground-looped during landing roll after the pilot lost rudder authority in strong crosswind conditions, resulting in structural damage.
Accident Overview
An airline transport certificated pilot was conducting a 14 CFR Part 135 on-demand passenger flight in a tailwheel-equipped airplane. During the approach, the pilot performed a flyover of the airstrip and observed the windsock indicating a strong right crosswind.
Landing and Ground Loop
As the airplane slowed during the landing roll, the pilot reported losing rudder authority. The airplane subsequently ground-looped to the right. The left wing received structural damage when it struck the runway following the collapse of the main landing gear.
Mechanical Condition
The pilot stated that there were no known mechanical anomalies with the airplane prior to the accident.
What happened in the 12 Sept 2005 Cessna 185F accident near Bettles, AK?
A tailwheel-equipped airplane performing an on-demand passenger flight ground-looped during landing roll after the pilot lost rudder authority in strong crosswind conditions, resulting in structural damage.
Were there any fatalities in the 12 Sept 2005 Cessna 185F accident?
No fatalities were recorded in this accident.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 12 Sept 2005 involved a Cessna 185F, registration N58316, operated by Brooks Range Aviation, at Bettles, AK.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The pilot's inadequate compensation for a gusty crosswind, which resulted in a loss of control and an inadvertent ground-loop during the landing roll. Factors associated with the accident were the ground-loop and gusts.
A SkyWalk Join't 3 paraglider crashed into the ground near Las Vizcachas, Chile, on September 1, 2024. The pilot and passenger sustained serious spinal…
PARAPENTE (ULTRALIVIANO NO MOTORIZADO)·2024-09-01DGAC Chile
A Cessna 172N struck electrical cables while on final approach to land at Aucó Aerodrome in Chile. The pilot was uninjured, but the aircraft sustained damage…
A Bombardier DHC-8-402 suffered a tail strike during landing at Puerto Williams on September 9, 2024. All 76 occupants were unharmed, but the aircraft…
A MYD JS-MD 3 glider veered off the runway and struck a wall at Vitacura Aerodrome on January 6, 2025. The pilot was uninjured, but the aircraft sustained…
A recreational paraglider flight in Puchuncaví, Chile, ended with the pilot sustaining serious injuries after a rapid descent and impact with a hillside on…
PARAPENTE (ULTRALIVIANO NO MOTORIZADO)·2025-03-29DGAC Chile
A Tecnam P2006T landed on its belly at an aerodrome in Poland after the crew failed to confirm landing gear deployment. The incident resulted in no injuries…