No fatalities

Tailwheel Airplane Ground-Loops During Landing Roll, Damages Right Wing

San Carlos, CA, United States

On September 3, 2019, a Cessna A185 F was involved in an aviation accident near San Carlos, CA. 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 ground loop. 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 tailwheel-equipped airplane ground-looped to the left during landing roll after encountering a wind gust, causing the right wing to strike the ground and sustain substantial damage.

Event Details

The pilot reported that, during the landing roll, the airplane encountered a wind gust from the left. The pilot applied full right rudder to correct, but the airplane continued to veer left. The airplane ground-looped to the left and the right wing struck the ground, resulting in substantial damage to the right wing.

Weather Conditions

According to the airport's METAR, around the time of the accident, the wind was from 260° at 8 knots. The pilot had landed on runway 30.

Pilot Report

The pilot stated that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

Contributing factors

PilotDirectional control — Not attained/maintained

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 3 Sept 2019 Cessna A185 F accident near San Carlos, CA?

A tailwheel-equipped airplane ground-looped to the left during landing roll after encountering a wind gust, causing the right wing to strike the ground and sustain substantial damage.

Were there any fatalities in the 3 Sept 2019 Cessna A185 F accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 3 Sept 2019 involved a Cessna A185 F, at San Carlos, CA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the landing roll, which resulted in a ground loop.