No fatalities

30 Apr 2011: CESSNA 185A — Bend, OR

Bend, OR, United States

On 30 Apr 2011, a CESSNA 185A was involved in an aviation accident near Bend, OR. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control during the landing roll. This summary draws on records from NTSB; 12 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

SourcesNTSBPrimary reportUpdated 1778583330Data APIEditorial standards

During landing approach, the aircraft encountered a crosswind and turbulence attributed to nearby hangars. Touchdown occurred with a low left wing; during rollout, wind lifted the left wing, and upon braking, the aircraft weathervaned, causing the right wing and tail to strike the ground. Substantial damage resulted, with no mechanical failures reported.

Sequence of Events

According to the pilot, during the approach the aircraft experienced a constant crosswind from the left. As the aircraft entered the landing flare, it encountered turbulence which the pilot believed was created by the hangars located alongside the runway. The aircraft touched down with the left wing low. During the rollout, the wind picked up the left wing. The pilot applied brakes, and the aircraft then weathervaned into the wind. Subsequently, the right wing, right elevator, and right horizontal stabilizer struck the ground, resulting in substantial damage.

Meteorological Conditions

At the time of the accident, the wind was reported from 320 degrees at 13 knots, gusting to 17 knots.

Aircraft and Damage

The pilot reported no mechanical failures or malfunctions that would have precluded normal flight. The aircraft sustained substantial damage to the right wing, right elevator, and right horizontal stabilizer due to ground contact.

Contributing factors

Causes

Directional control — Not attained/maintainedPilot

Other contributing factors

Effect on equipment