No fatalities

Tailwheel Aircraft Ground Loops During Landing Roll

Anchorage, AK, United States

On October 20, 2016, a CESSNA A185 F was involved in an aviation accident near Anchorage, AK. 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 2026-08-03Data APIEditorial standards

During the landing roll, a tailwheel airplane veered right; the pilot applied left rudder, causing a ground loop to the left. Substantial damage occurred to the right wing, right horizontal stabilizer, and right elevator.

Introduction

A tailwheel-equipped airplane experienced a ground loop during the landing roll, resulting in substantial damage to multiple components. The incident was reported by the pilot.

Incident Details

According to the pilot, during the landing roll the airplane began to veer to the right. In an attempt to correct the deviation, the pilot applied left rudder. This control input led to a ground loop to the left.

Damage

The airplane sustained substantial damage to the right wing, right horizontal stabilizer, and right elevator.

Mechanical Status

The pilot reported that there were no pre-impact mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airframe or engine that would have precluded normal operation.

Contributing factors

Directional control — Not attained/maintainedPilot

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 20 Oct 2016 CESSNA A185 F accident near Anchorage, AK?

During the landing roll, a tailwheel airplane veered right; the pilot applied left rudder, causing a ground loop to the left. Substantial damage occurred to the right wing, right horizontal stabilizer, and right elevator.

Were there any fatalities in the 20 Oct 2016 CESSNA A185 F accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 20 Oct 2016 involved a CESSNA A185 F, at Anchorage, AK.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the landing roll.