Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the landing roll, which resulted in a ground loop and a wing strike.
NTSB analysis
The pilot of a tailwheel-equipped airplane reported that during the landing roll in gusty crosswind conditions, the airplane started to veer to the right. The pilot further reported that he applied left rudder and brake, but the airplane ground looped to the right and the left wing struck the runway.
The left wing and left elevator were substantially damaged.
The pilot did not report any mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
An automated weather observing system at the airport, about the time of the accident, reported the wind at 080 degrees true at 7 knots, for the landing on runway 26.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for GAA16CA217 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Apr 9, 2016
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Chesterfield, Missouri
- Nearest airport
- Spirit Of St Louis (SUS)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Cessna A185
- N-number
- N4095A
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1979
- 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.