Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain directional control while landing with a crosswind.
NTSB analysis
The pilot stated that after performing a wheel landing on Runway 17, the tailwheel-equipped airplane initially tracked straight along the runway centerline. During the landing roll, the airplane started to veer to the right. Despite his control inputs, the airplane continued to veer to the right and ground looped. The airplane came to rest in a nose-low attitude on the right side of the runway. Examination of the airplane by a Federal Aviation Administration inspector revealed that both wings were structurally damaged. The weather reporting station located at the airport reported wind from 220 degrees at 8 knots six minutes after the time of the accident. The pilot reported no anomalies with the airplane's flight control system prior to the accident.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for WPR09CA252 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- May 18, 2009
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Tacoma, Washington
- Nearest airport
- Tacoma Narrows (TIW)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Instrument (IMC)
- Light
- Day
Cessna 185E
- N-number
- N70083
- Category
- Airplane
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Business
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.