No fatalities

Tailwheel Airplane Veers Off Runway After Gust

Fort Worth, TX, United States

On March 17, 2012, a CESSNA A185F operated by SMITH WILLIAM G SR was involved in an aviation accident near Fort Worth, TX. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: A gust of wind caused the airplane to veer to the right. This summary draws on records from NTSB; 12 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

SourcesNTSBPrimary reportUpdated 2026-08-03Data APIEditorial standards

A pilot reported that a gust of wind caused his tailwheel-equipped airplane to veer to the right, skidding off the runway and sustaining substantial damage.

Overview

A pilot reported an accident during the landing roll on runway 14. The tailwheel-equipped airplane was on the centerline until a gust of wind caused it to veer to the right, leading to a runway excursion.

Sequence of Events

After touching down on the centerline of runway 14, the pilot maintained directional control during the landing roll. A gust of wind then induced a veer to the right. The pilot applied full left rudder and full left brake, but the airplane continued to skid laterally and departed the right side of the runway. The left landing gear collapsed upon striking the grass alongside the runway.

Aircraft Damage

The airplane sustained substantial damage to the left wing and the left horizontal stabilizer as a result of the runway excursion and gear collapse.

Wind Conditions

The pilot reported the wind as 170 degrees at 16 knots with gusts to 25 knots at the time of the accident.

Probable cause

A gust of wind caused the airplane to veer to the right.

Contributing factors

Causes

Directional control — Not attained/maintainedPilot

Other contributing factors

Contributed to outcome

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 17 Mar 2012 CESSNA A185F accident near Fort Worth, TX?

A pilot reported that a gust of wind caused his tailwheel-equipped airplane to veer to the right, skidding off the runway and sustaining substantial damage.

Were there any fatalities in the 17 Mar 2012 CESSNA A185F accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 17 Mar 2012 involved a CESSNA A185F, operated by SMITH WILLIAM G SR, at Fort Worth, TX.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

A gust of wind caused the airplane to veer to the right.