Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during landing with a crosswind.
NTSB analysis
The pilot reported that he was landing the tailwheel-equipped airplane on a grass runway, with a 30-degree right crosswind. He reported that when the airplane touched down, during the landing rollout, the right wing "came up" and the airplane began to swerve. The pilot reported that he was able to correct the swerve; however, the left wing "hit the turf," which resulted in substantial damage. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical problems with the airplane.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for WPR10CA024 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Oct 18, 2009
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Sand Coulee, Montana
- Nearest airport
- Prill Field (1MT7)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Cessna A185F
- N-number
- N1677R
- Category
- Airplane
- 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.