NTSB Factual Report

On July 24, 2005, about 1430 Alaska daylight time, a wheel ski-equipped Cessna 185 airplane, N332DG, sustained substantial damage when it nosed over after departing the runway during the landing roll at the Talkeetna Airport, Talkeetna, Alaska. The airplane was being operated as a visual flight rules (VFR) local area sightseeing flight under Title 14, CFR Part 135, when the accident occurred. The airplane was operated by Doug Geeting Aviation Inc., Talkeetna. The airline transport certificated pilot, and the two passengers, were not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and a VFR flight plan was filed for the flight that originated from Talkeetna about 1330.

During a telephone conversation with the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) investigator-in-charge (IIC), on July 24, the director of operations for the operator reported that the pilot was landing on runway 18 at the conclusion of a sightseeing flight. During the landing roll, the director of operations indicated that the airplane departed off the right side of the runway, initially went nose down, and then nosed over. He also said that there were thunderstorms in the general area, and a gust of wind from the right may have caused the airplane to veer off the runway. The airplane received structural damage to the vertical stabilizer, the right wing, and the left wing lift strut.

At 1353, an Aviation Routine Weather Report (METAR) at Talkeetna was reporting in part: Wind, 170 degrees (true) at 5 knots; visibility, 10 statute miles; clouds and sky condition, clear; temperature, 70 degrees F; dew point, 46 degrees F; altimeter, 30.08 inHg. At 1453, a METAR at Talkeetna was reporting, in part, variable wind conditions at 3 knots.

In the Pilot/Operator Aviation Accident Report (NTSB Form 6120.1) submitted by the pilot, the pilot reported that as he began his landing approach, he received weather information on his airplane radio that was provided by the automated terminal information system (ATIS). According to the pilot, the ATIS was reporting wind conditions as 170 degrees (magnetic) at 8 knots and gusts. He said that while on approach to land, there was a 30 degree right crosswind with gusty wind conditions, and during the landing roll, a gust of wind lifted the right wing, and the airplane became airborne. He attempted to maintain control of the airplane by application of engine power and rudder, but once the airplane touched down again, it headed toward the right side of the runway. The pilot reduced power and applied the brakes. The airplane nosed over off the right side of the runway.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's failure to compensate for wind conditions and his failure to maintain directional control of the airplane during the landing roll, which resulted in an excursion off the side of the runway and a nose over.