Probable cause
The pilot’s improper landing flare, which resulted in a bounced landing, the failure of the right main landing gear wheel, and a ground loop.
NTSB analysis
The pilot in the tailwheel-gear-equipped airplane reported that he set up for a wheel landing to an asphalt runway. During touchdown, the airplane bounced three times, and the right landing gear wheel split into two pieces. The airplane ground looped to the left and exited the left side of the runway. The right wing tip and the elevator struck the ground, and the airplane sustained substantial damage to the right elevator.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for GAA17CA245 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Apr 23, 2017
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Marsing, Idaho
- Nearest airport
- Sunrise Skypark (ID40)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Cessna 185
- N-number
- N4017Y
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1961
- 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.