Probable cause
The pilot's loss of directional control during landing, resulting in a collision with terrain.
NTSB analysis
The pilot was landing to the south on a gravel runway in his tailwheel-equipped Cessna 185 airplane. During the landing rollout, a wind gust from the east was encountered and the pilot was unable to maintain directional control. The airplane entered a ground loop, sustaining substantial damage to the right wing. The pilot stated there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or anomalies with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ANC15CA019 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Apr 1, 2015
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Palmer, Alaska
- Nearest airport
- Palmer Muni (PAQ)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Cessna A185F
- N-number
- N3885Q
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1973
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Personal
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.