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Tailwheel Airplane Overruns Wet Grass Runway

Kalispell, MT, United States

On August 3, 2020, a Cessna A185 F was involved in an aviation accident near Kalispell, MT. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's excessive approach speed and poor braking action on a wet grass 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

A tailwheel airplane overran a wet grass runway and struck a fence after a fast approach and poor braking. Substantial damage to the fuselage occurred.

Accident Details

A tailwheel-equipped airplane was on final approach to land. The pilot reported that the approach speed was too fast. The landing took place on a wet, 1,500-foot-long grass runway. During the landing roll, braking action was poor, and the pilot was unable to stop the airplane before it overran the departure end of the runway. The airplane subsequently impacted a fence.

Aircraft Damage

The airplane sustained substantial damage to the fuselage as a result of the collision with the fence.

Pilot Report

According to the pilot, there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

Probable cause

The pilot's excessive approach speed and poor braking action on a wet grass runway.

Contributing factors

Causes

Airspeed — Not attained/maintainedPilot

Other contributing factors

Effect on equipment
Runway excursion

Related events

Same aircraft family

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 3 Aug 2020 Cessna A185 F accident near Kalispell, MT?

A tailwheel airplane overran a wet grass runway and struck a fence after a fast approach and poor braking. Substantial damage to the fuselage occurred.

Were there any fatalities in the 3 Aug 2020 Cessna A185 F accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 3 Aug 2020 involved a Cessna A185 F, at Kalispell, MT.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's excessive approach speed and poor braking action on a wet grass runway.

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