On 18 Oct 2009, a CESSNA A185F operated by PRILL DANIEL F was involved in an aviation accident near Sand Coulee, MT. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during landing with a crosswind. This summary draws on records from NTSB; 12 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
A pilot landing a tailwheel-equipped airplane on a grass runway in a 30-degree right crosswind reported that the right wing rose during rollout, causing a swerve. After correcting, the left wing struck the ground, resulting in substantial damage.
Accident Details
A pilot was landing a tailwheel-equipped airplane on a grass runway. The reported crosswind was from the right at a 30-degree angle. According to the pilot, upon touchdown during the landing rollout, the right wing "came up" and the airplane began to swerve. The pilot stated that he was able to correct the swerve, but during the maneuver the left wing "hit the turf." The impact resulted in substantial damage to the airplane.
Pilot Report
The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical problems with the airplane. The pilot did not specify any other factors or conditions beyond the crosswind and the events during the rollout. No further details regarding the airplane type, registration, or location were provided.
Contributing factors
Causes
Directional control — Not attained/maintainedPilot