Probable cause
The pilot’s inability to maintain directional control during the landing roll due to a flat tire.
NTSB analysis
The pilot of the tailwheel-equipped airplane reported that, during landing on a gravel airstrip, when the right main wheel touched down, the airplane veered right. He applied full left rudder to no avail. The right wheel exited the runway into soft, sandy soil, and the airplane nosed over.
The airplane sustained substantial damage to the wings and empennage.
The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
The pilot added that, after the accident, it was pointed out that the airplane had a flat tire and that there was a tire mark on the gravel runway from where the airplane touched down to where the airplane nosed over.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for GAA18CA351 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Jun 15, 2018
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Big Lake, Alaska
- Nearest airport
- Big Lake (BGQ)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Cessna 185
- N-number
- N9964X
- 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.