NTSB Factual Report

On June 1, 2002, at 1340 central daylight time, a Cessna A185F, N185NR, operated by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, was substantially damaged when it veered off the runway during landing rollout on runway 18 (2,700 feet by 60 feet, asphalt) at the Necedah Airport (DAF), Necedah, Wisconsin. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the accident. The 14 CFR Part 91 public-use flight was not operating on a flight plan. The airline transport pilot reported no injuries. The flight originated from the Wittman Regional Airport, Oshkosh, Wisconsin, at 1115 and was en route to DAF.

The pilot stated in a written statement, "...After touchdown the aircraft was caught by a violent gust of wind forcing the aircraft into a turn to the right. Full left rudder and braking was applied and was insufficient to halt the turning momentum/force of the wind. Pilot then elected to allow roll out to continue on adjacent grass area. When the aircraft left the runway the left main landing gear sunk into the sand causing the aircraft to go up on the nose and left wing coming to a stop."

The pilot reported the winds, at the time of the accident, were from 240 degrees at 13 knots gusting to 18 knots.

The maximum demonstrated crosswind for a 1977 Cessna A185F is 15 kts. There is no published maximum demonstrated crosswind for the accident airplane, which was a 1973 Cessna A185F.

The Federal Aviation Administration and the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources were parties to the investigation.

NTSB Probable Cause

Directional control of the airplane not maintained by the pilot. The gusting winds was a contributing factor.