Cessna A185
Susanville, CA — August 1, 2020
Event Information
| Date | August 1, 2020 |
| Event Type | ACC |
| NTSB Number | WPR20CA275 |
| Event ID | 20200818X75352 |
| Location | Susanville, CA |
| Country | USA |
| Coordinates | 40.65028, -120.76861 |
| Airport | Spaulding |
| Highest Injury | NONE |
Aircraft
| Make | Cessna |
| Model | A185 |
| Category | AIR |
| FAR Part | 091 |
| Aircraft Damage | SUBS |
Conditions
| Light Condition | DAYL |
| Weather | VMC |
Injuries
| Fatal | 0 |
| Serious | 0 |
| Minor | 0 |
| None | 2 |
| Total Injured | 0 |
Event Location
Probable Cause
The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during takeoff with a tailwind, which resulted in a subsequent collapse of the right main landing gear.
Full Narrative
The pilot of the tailwheel equipped airplane reported that, the winds at the time of takeoff were about 17 mph from the east. After he departed a runway from the southeast, the airplane weathervaned into the wind and was pushed to the left side of the runway. The pilot quickly corrected the movement, but in doing so the airplane's right main landing gear impacted the runway surface hard. Seconds later after he departed, the pilot flew low over the runway for ground observers to inspect the landing gear, but they reported no abnormalities. The pilot returned to the departure runway, but shortly after landing, the right main landing gear separated. The right wing was substantially damaged.
The pilot reported no mechanical anomalies that could have precluded normal operation.
About This NTSB Record
This aviation event was investigated by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). NTSB investigates all U.S. civil aviation accidents to determine probable cause and issue safety recommendations to prevent future accidents.