Probable cause
The pilot's selection of unsuitable terrain for landing, which resulted in a ground loop.
NTSB analysis
During the approach, the pilot decided to land the tundra-tire-equipped airplane on a sloped, grassy area adjacent to the taxiway because of snow on the area where he initially intended to land. After touchdown, the airplane began to follow the slope, and the pilot applied the uphill brake. The airplane subsequently entered a ground loop. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the left wing. The pilot reported no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ANC13CA005 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Oct 22, 2012
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Talkeetna, Alaska
- Nearest airport
- Talkeetna Airport (PATK)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Cessna A185E
- N-number
- N1694M
- Category
- Airplane
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 135 (charter and commuter)
Other records under this N-number
From the NTSB aviation accident database: N-registered aircraft, events since 2008, data through Oct 28, 2026. The file is published monthly, so the latest weeks are incomplete and recent records can change. The official source is the NTSB aviation investigation search. CheckAero is independent and not affiliated with the NTSB.