Cessna A185F N151PB accident near Angel Fire, New Mexico

Probable cause

The pilot’s loss of directional control during landing with a crosswind.

NTSB analysis

The pilot of the tailwheel-equipped airplane reported that, during the landing roll, a strong gust of wind lifted the right wing, which resulted in the left wing tip striking the ground adjacent to the runway. The pilot initiated a go-around; however, after the airplane became airborne, the wind pushed the airplane to the left, and it settled into a ditch on the left side of the runway. Upon exiting the ditch, the airplane became airborne, and the wind pushed the airplane toward an airport perimeter fence. Subsequently, the left main landing gear struck the fence and the airplane nosed over which resulted in substantial damage to both wings, left horizontal stabilizer, and left elevator.

At the time of the accident, the pilot was landing the airplane on runway 17 with wind from 250° at 9 knots, gusting to 18 knots.

The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for WPR26LA238 for the full record.