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Cessna 185 accident at Winifred, MT, 17 May 2020

Winifred, MT, United States

On May 17, 2020, a Cessna 185 Undesignat was involved in an aviation accident near Winifred, MT. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: An inadequate flare that resulted in a bounced landing and the pilot's subsequent delayed decision to go-around that did not allow for sufficient clearance from trees when the airplane was affected by a gusting wind. 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

Probable cause

An inadequate flare that resulted in a bounced landing and the pilot's subsequent delayed decision to go-around that did not allow for sufficient clearance from trees when the airplane was affected by a gusting wind.

— NTSB Determination

Contributing factors

Causes

Landing flare — Not attained/maintainedPilot

Other contributing factors

Effect on operation

Related events

Same aircraft family

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 17 May 2020 Cessna 185 Undesignat accident near Winifred, MT?

An inadequate flare that resulted in a bounced landing and the pilot's subsequent delayed decision to go-around that did not allow for sufficient clearance from trees when the airplane was affected by a gusting wind.

Were there any fatalities in the 17 May 2020 Cessna 185 Undesignat accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 17 May 2020 involved a Cessna 185 Undesignat, at Winifred, MT.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

An inadequate flare that resulted in a bounced landing and the pilot's subsequent delayed decision to go-around that did not allow for sufficient clearance from trees when the airplane was affected by a gusting wind.

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