Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain airplane control while landing in gusty wind conditions, resulting in a noseover.
NTSB analysis
The pilot reported that upon touchdown on runway 12, the left quartering headwind switched to a direct crosswind forcing the nose of the airplane to the left. The right wing contacted the runway surface and the airplane nosed over, sustaining substantial damage to the empennage, vertical stabilizer, and rudder. Wind at the time of the accident was reported to be from 070 degrees at 12 knots gusting to 22 knots. The pilot stated that there were no preaccident mechanical anomalies that would have precluded normal operation
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ANC16CA036 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Jun 29, 2016
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- King Salmon, Alaska
- Nearest airport
- King Salmon (AKN)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Cessna A185F
- N-number
- N3969Q
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1974
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Aerial observation
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.