Cessna A185F N888DK accident near Lansing, Michigan

Probable cause

The pilot’s improper landing flare and subsequent failure to maintain directional control during the landing in a crosswind condition.

NTSB analysis

The pilot reported that he flared too high during the landing, possibly due to a runway width illusion. The airplane bounced on contact with the runway and then began to weathervane into the crosswind. The pilot stated he performed control inputs to minimize the ground loop but was unsuccessful and the right wing scraped the runway. Contact with the runway resulted in substantial damage to the right wing and aileron. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. At the time of the accident, the pilot was landing the airplane on runway 28L with wind from 200° at 8 knots.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN25LA260 for the full record.