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Pilot Loses Control During Landing, Ground Loops Tail-Dragger

Tacoma, WA, United States

On December 14, 2018, a Cessna A185 E operated by Blue Skies Aviation LLC was involved in an aviation accident near Tacoma, WA. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's loss of directional control during the landing roll and his subsequent overapplication of left rudder, which resulted in the right wing impacting the runway. 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 landing roll, the airplane veered right. The pilot applied left rudder but overcorrected, causing the right wingtip to strike the ground and substantially damage the trailing edge spar.

Incident Details

During the landing roll of a tail-wheel equipped airplane, the aircraft veered to the right. The pilot responded by applying left rudder control, which temporarily straightened the airplane. However, the airplane again began to veer to the right. In an attempt to correct the deviation, the pilot applied excessive left rudder, resulting in an overcorrection. This caused the right wingtip to impact the ground.

Damage

The impact with the ground substantially damaged the right-wing trailing edge spar. No other damage was reported.

Pilot Report

The pilot stated that there were no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation. The pilot did not specify any other contributing factors.

Contributing factors

PilotDirectional control — Not attained/maintainedIncorrect use/operation

Related events

Same aircraft family

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 14 Dec 2018 Cessna A185 E accident near Tacoma, WA?

During landing roll, the airplane veered right. The pilot applied left rudder but overcorrected, causing the right wingtip to strike the ground and substantially damage the trailing edge spar.

Were there any fatalities in the 14 Dec 2018 Cessna A185 E accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 14 Dec 2018 involved a Cessna A185 E, operated by Blue Skies Aviation LLC, at Tacoma, WA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's loss of directional control during the landing roll and his subsequent overapplication of left rudder, which resulted in the right wing impacting the runway.

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