Probable cause
The pilot did not maintain directional control of the airplane during the takeoff with a gusting crosswind.
NTSB analysis
While taking off from runway 32, the airplane encountered a crosswind. As soon as the tailwheel came off of the runway, the airplane veered to the left. The pilot attempted to correct with the application of right rudder and brake; however, the airplane continued off of the runway. The right wing dragged on the ground and the right main landing gear separated resulting in substantial damage. The pilot reported no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.Wind at the time of the accident was recorded as 240 degrees at 10 knots, gusting to 14 knots.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN14CA177 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Feb 28, 2014
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Fredericksburg, Texas
- Nearest airport
- Gillespie County Airport (T82)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Cessna A185F
- N-number
- N30AW
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1974
- 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.