Pilot Debrief

CESSNA A185 near Henderson, NV — 2017-06-23

Final reportGAA17CA362
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Date
2017-06-23
Location
Henderson, NV, USA
Airport
HND
Aircraft
CESSNA A185
Registration
N4356R
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control during the landing roll in gusting wind conditions.

NTSB narrative

The pilot reported that, during the landing as the tailwheel began to settle, a "massive and unexpected gust of wind" lifted the left wing. He immediately attempted to recover by adding rudder inputs; however, the wind shifted to a "quartering tailwind," and the rear of the airplane whipped rapidly to the right. He applied the brakes as the airplane encountered a downhill slope on the left side of the runway, and it then came to rest inverted. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the empennage. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. The automated weather observation system located on the airport reported that, about the time of the accident, the wind was from 360° at 12 knots, gusting to 17 knots. The pilot landed on runway 35L.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • Photos
  • 3 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents3

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