Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the landing roll in crosswind conditions, which resulted in a runway excursion and a ground loop.
NTSB analysis
The pilot of a tailwheel-equipped airplane reported that during the landing roll with a crosswind the airplane drifted to the left. He further reported that he "applied some right rudder," but the airplane weathervaned into the wind and departed the runway to the right. During the runway excursion, the airplane ground looped and the left wing and elevator were substantially damaged after an impact with terrain.
An automated weather observing system near the time of the accident 12 nautical miles south of the airport recorded the wind at 250 degrees true at 7 knots. The pilot reported he landed on runway 20.
The pilot did not report any mechanical malfunction or failure with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for GAA16CA438 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Aug 21, 2016
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Fayetteville, Tennessee
- Nearest airport
- Fayetteville Muni (FYM)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Cessna A185
- N-number
- N185DK
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1979
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Personal
Other records under this N-number
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.