No fatalities

19 Apr 2014: CESSNA A185E — Richard Skevington — Somerville, NJ

Somerville, NJ, United States
SourcesNTSBPrimary reportUpdated 1778583330Data APIEditorial standards

During a crosswind landing, an amphibian airplane drifted left off the runway into grass, causing the nosegear and right float to dig into soft turf, resulting in a noseover and substantial damage to the right wing.

Accident Details

An amphibian airplane was on approach to a destination airport, intending to land on runway 30. The pilot reported that during the final approach, the crosswind was stronger than expected. The airplane touched down on the asphalt runway but subsequently drifted left, departing the runway surface and entering the adjacent grass area. The nosegear and right float dug into the soft turf, causing the airplane to nose over. During the noseover, the right wing struck the ground, and the airplane came to rest inverted. The pilot stated that no preimpact mechanical malfunctions occurred.

Weather

The recorded weather information at the airport during the approach indicated a left crosswind at 9 knots, gusting to 12 knots. Shortly after the accident, the recorded wind at the destination airport was varying between 270 and 010 degrees at 11 knots, gusting to 17 knots.

Damage

An examination by a Federal Aviation Administration inspector revealed substantial damage to the right wing.

Contributing factors

Causes

PilotDirectional control — Not attained/maintained

Other contributing factors

Effect on operation