Probable cause
The pilots improper flare, which resulted in a hard landing.
NTSB analysis
The pilot was landing a tailwheel and tundra tire-equipped airplane at an off-airport site. Just before touchdown he felt the airplane sink, and added power to correct the condition, but the airplane hit hard and bounced. He recovered from the bounce, and brought the airplane to a full stop. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the fuselage. 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 ANC13CA108 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Sep 7, 2013
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Mentasta Lake, Alaska
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Cessna 185
- N-number
- N432X
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1961
- 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.