Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the landing roll, which resulted in a runway excursion and impact with a ditch.
NTSB analysis
The pilot of the tailwheel-equipped airplane reported that, during the landing roll, as the tailwheel touched down, the airplane veered right. The pilot attempted to correct with rudder to no avail. The airplane veered off the runway to the right and impacted a ditch.
The airplane sustained substantial damage to the left wing, right aileron, and right elevator.
The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
The pilot reported that the wind was calm. The pilot landed the airplane on runway 21.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for GAA19CA152 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Feb 25, 2019
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Ridgeland, South Carolina
- Nearest airport
- Ridgeland-Claude Dean (3J1)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Cessna 185
- N-number
- N10044
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1962
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Public aircraft
- Purpose of flight
- PUBF
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.