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Cessna 185 Strikes Runway Face During Tailwind Landing on Turf Strip (N185RW)

Turner, ME, US

On June 6, 2006, a Cessna A185E (registration N185RW) was involved in an aviation accident near Turner, ME. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to obtain the proper touchdown point, resulting in a runway undershoot, and substantial damage to the airplane. 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

A Cessna 185 landed with a tailwind on a turf runway adjacent to a riverbank. Just before touchdown, the airplane experienced an increased descent rate due to a tailwind increase or downdraft, striking the runway face and collapsing the right main landing gear.

Accident Details

The pilot elected to land with a tailwind on a turf runway that was adjacent and perpendicular to a riverbank. With the Cessna 185 configured for landing, and just prior to touchdown, the airplane experienced an increase in descent rate due to "either an increase in the tailwind or a downdraft." The airplane struck the face of the runway below the landing surface, collapsing the right main landing gear, and resulting in substantial damage.

Pilot Statement

The pilot did not report any mechanical deficiencies of the airplane. When asked how the accident could have been prevented, the pilot stated, "carried more airspeed to counter the effect of [the] possible increased tailwind."

Damage

The right main landing gear collapsed, and the airplane sustained substantial damage.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 6 Jun 2006 Cessna A185E accident near Turner, ME?

A Cessna 185 landed with a tailwind on a turf runway adjacent to a riverbank. Just before touchdown, the airplane experienced an increased descent rate due to a tailwind increase or downdraft, striking the runway face and collapsing the right main landing gear.

Were there any fatalities in the 6 Jun 2006 Cessna A185E accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 6 Jun 2006 involved a Cessna A185E, registration N185RW, at Turner, ME.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's failure to obtain the proper touchdown point, resulting in a runway undershoot, and substantial damage to the airplane.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20060626X00815. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.