Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the landing roll, which resulted in a ground loop and subsequent nose-over.
NTSB analysis
The pilot of the tailwheel-equipped airplane reported that, during the landing, the airplane suddenly veered left, ground looped, exited the runway, and nosed over.
Examination revealed that the airplane had a blown right tire and that it had sustained substantial damage to the vertical stabilizer and right wing.
The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
A review of photographs of the tire damage provided by a Federal Aviation Administration inspector revealed that the damage was consistent with sideloading of the right main landing gear during the ground loop to the left.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for GAA19CA260 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- May 12, 2019
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Northway, Alaska
- Nearest airport
- Northway (ORT)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Cessna A185
- N-number
- N2429E
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1966
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Positioning
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.