No fatalities

25 Feb 2019: Cessna 185 A — Usda Forest Service Fepp — Ridgeland, SC

Ridgeland, SC, United States

On 25 Feb 2019, a Cessna 185 A operated by Usda Forest Service Fepp was involved in an aviation accident near Ridgeland, SC. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the landing roll, which resulted in a runway excursion and impact with a ditch. This summary draws on records from NTSB; 12 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

SourcesNTSBPrimary reportUpdated 1778583330Data APIEditorial standards

During landing roll, a tailwheel-equipped airplane veered right, departed the runway, and struck a ditch. Substantial damage occurred to the left wing, right aileron, and right elevator. The pilot reported no mechanical issues and calm wind.

Incident Details

During the landing roll of a tailwheel-equipped airplane, the pilot reported that as the tailwheel made contact with the runway surface, the airplane began to veer to the right. The pilot attempted to counteract the deviation using rudder input but was unable to regain directional control. Subsequently, the airplane departed the right side of the runway and impacted a ditch.

Aircraft Damage

The accident resulted in substantial damage to the airframe. Specifically, the left wing, right aileron, and right elevator sustained damage that required repair or replacement. The extent of the damage indicates a significant impact event.

Pilot Report

The pilot stated that there were no pre-existing mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have prevented normal operation. The wind conditions at the time of the accident were described as calm. The landing was conducted on runway 21.

Contributing factors

Causes

Directional control — Not attained/maintainedPilot

Other contributing factors

Contributed to outcome