Probable cause
The pilot’s loss of control during the landing flare, which resulted in an impact with trees.
NTSB analysis
The pilot reported that during the landing flare, with a left quartering crosswind, the airplane drifted to the left. He attempted to correct the drift, however, the left wing impacted trees located parallel to the runway. Subsequently, the airplane spun to the left and came to rest nosed down in the trees.
The airplane sustained substantial damage to the fuselage and left wing.
The pilot reported no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
The pilot reported that he was landing on a heading of about 270° and that the wind was from 240° at about 20 MPH.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ANC20CA091 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Aug 30, 2020
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Lime Village, Alaska
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Cessna A185
- N-number
- N107L
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1978
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 135 (charter and commuter)
- Purpose of flight
- Business
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.