Aviation Accident Summaries

Aviation Accident Summary ANC96LA114

WAINWRIGHT, AK, USA

Aircraft #1

N20752

Cessna 185

Analysis

The pilot reported she was attempting to land at an off airport beach site with a load of cargo. The airplane bounced on the initial touchdown. On the following touchdown, the pilot said she became concerned about the proximity of the water at the end of the landing area and applied the brakes. The airplane decelerated, and then nosed over.

Factual Information

On August 2, 1996, about 1349 Alaska daylight time, a wheel equipped Cessna 185 airplane, N20752, owned and operated by Cape Smythe Air Service, sustained substantial damage while landing at Point Franklin, located about 25 miles northeast of Wainwright, Alaska. The solo airline transport certificated pilot was not injured. The 14 CFR Part 135 cargo flight operated in visual meteorological conditions. The flight originated at Barrow, Alaska, about 1300. According to a written statement issued by the pilot, she said she was landing on hard sand in light and variable wind conditions. The airplane bounced on landing, and touched down again in a tail low attitude. She then applied the brakes because she was concerned about the water in front of her. The tail of the airplane rose, and the airplane nosed over onto the sandy landing surface. The Director of Operations for the operator described the landing area as a section of leveled beach situated behind sand dunes.

Probable Cause and Findings

The pilot's excessive application of the brakes during the landing roll.

 

Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database

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