Probable cause
The pilot’s loss of directional control during the landing roll.
NTSB analysis
According to the pilot in the tailwheel-equipped, high-performance airplane, he performed a three-point landing about 70 mph. During the landing roll, the airplane veered to the right. The pilot reported that he applied left rudder and left aileron to keep the airplane on the runway. However, the airplane exited the right side of the runway and then ground looped to the right, and the left wing and left elevator struck the ground.
The airplane sustained substantial damage to the left-wing spar, ribs, aileron, and the left elevator.
The METAR at the accident airport reported that, about the time of the accident, the wind was from 010° at 7 knots.
The pilot reported that the valve stem from the left main landing gear tire failed, causing the loss of control.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for GAA18CA023 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Oct 24, 2017
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Tacoma, Washington
- Nearest airport
- Tacoma Narrows (TIW)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Cessna A185
- N-number
- N19EC
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1967
- 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.