Primary finding
Probable cause
the pilot's inadequate compensation for the crosswind conditions. Factors associated with the accident were the soft terrain at the landing site, and a crosswind.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot landed the airplane to the north on a beach. He described the wind as being from his left. He said that as the airplane slowed, he felt the right wheel start dragging. The airplane then ground looped and nosed over.
Source record
Factual narrative
On May 3, 1996, at 0830 Alaska daylight time, a wheel equipped Cessna 185 airplane, N70039, registered to and operated by the pilot, ground looped and nosed over during an off airport landing on the beach near Big River, Alaska, at geographic coordinates, 58 degrees, 35.6 minutes north, 153 degrees, 53 minutes west. The personal flight, operating under 14 CFR Part 91, departed the beach at Whiskey Gulch located near Deep Creek, Alaska, and the destination was the location of the accident. No flight plan was filed and visual meteorological conditions prevailed. The certificated private pilot and the two passengers were not injured and the airplane received substantial damage. During a telephone interview with the pilot on May 4, 1996, he stated that he was landing on the beach to the north and he had a crosswind from the left. As the airplane slowed to 15 to 20 knots, he stated he felt the right wheel start dragging. The airplane then ground looped and nosed over. -