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Cessna 185 Ground Loops After Wind Gust During Landing

Palmer, AK, United States

On April 1, 2015, a CESSNA A185F F operated by CRUZ DAVID C was involved in an aviation accident near Palmer, AK. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's loss of directional control during landing, resulting in a collision with terrain. 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 Cessna 185 sustained substantial right-wing damage when it ground looped during landing after encountering an easterly wind gust on a gravel runway.

Accident Details

The pilot of a tailwheel-equipped Cessna 185 was landing to the south on a gravel runway. During the landing rollout, the airplane encountered a wind gust from the east. The pilot was unable to maintain directional control, and the airplane entered a ground loop.

Damage

The ground loop resulted in substantial damage to the right wing of the aircraft. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or anomalies with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

Pilot Report

The pilot stated that the aircraft was functioning normally before the incident. The loss of control was attributed solely to the wind gust encountered during the landing rollout.

Contributing factors

PilotDirectional control — Not attained/maintained

Related events

Same aircraft family

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1 Apr 2015 CESSNA A185F F accident near Palmer, AK?

A Cessna 185 sustained substantial right-wing damage when it ground looped during landing after encountering an easterly wind gust on a gravel runway.

Were there any fatalities in the 1 Apr 2015 CESSNA A185F F accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1 Apr 2015 involved a CESSNA A185F F, operated by CRUZ DAVID C, at Palmer, AK.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's loss of directional control during landing, resulting in a collision with terrain.

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