Probable cause
The pilot’s over application of the brakes, which resulted in a nose over.
NTSB analysis
The pilot of the tailwheel-equipped airplane reported that, during landing after the tail had settled, he applied the brakes too hard. Subsequently, the airplane nosed over and came to rest inverted.
The airplane sustained substantial damage to left wing, right wing lift strut, and empennage.
The pilot reported no preimpact mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
As a recommendation, the pilot added that he should not have applied the brakes as hard.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ANC21LA045 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Jun 6, 2021
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Chandalar Lake, Alaska
- Nearest airport
- Chandalar Lake (WCR)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Cessna A185F
- N-number
- N85DT
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1978
- 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.