# NTSB ANC86LA135: Cessna A-185E, N70021, Talkeetna, AK, August 23, 1986

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: August 23, 1986, 11:00 local (19:00 UTC)
- Place: Talkeetna, AK
- Coordinates: 62.450714, -149.789794 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=62.4507&lon=-149.7898&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Landing](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/550) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 3 uninjured
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB office: Alaska Regional Office
- NTSB case key (mKey): 4722
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=ANC86LA135
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/4722/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC86LA135

## Sequence of events

In NTSB's coding before 2008 (https://www.ntsb.gov/GILS/Documents/codman.pdf).

- Loss of control - on ground/water, landing - flare/touchdown
  - terrain condition - loose gravel/sandy (contributing factor)
  - preflight planning/preparation - poor, pilot in command (cause)
  - ground loop/swerve - inadvertent, pilot in command (cause)
- Nose over, landing - roll

## Analysis

THE AIRCRAFT LOST CONTROL UPON LANDING ON A GRAVEL BAR AND NOSED OVER.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N70021](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N70021-2001-09-25), registration cancelled 2001-09-25, S/N 18501896 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: CESSNA A-185E
- Registry model: [Cessna A185E](https://openairdocs.org/model/cessna-a185e) (registry code 2072818) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 18501896
- Airframe hours: 962
- Engines: CONTINENTAL IO-520 300 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Larry D. Grant
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Departed: MRI, ANCHORAGE, AK
- Destination: CHICKLOON RIVER, AK

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 45; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land, single-engine sea; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 2, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: left; flight hours: 780 total, 83 in this make and model, 656 as pilot in command, 25 in the last 90 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Visibility: 50 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 50 °F, dew point -0 °F

## FAA reports on this event (1)

The FAA's own accident and incident reports, matched to the aircraft by N-number and date (OpenAirDocs).

- [Accident 19860823042019A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19860823042019A), Aug 23, 1986: Cessna A185E, Talkeetna, AK, Substantial damage. Lost directional control after wheel struck a rock during gravel bar landing. Ground looped as wing struck brush.

## Other investigations on N70021 (1)

From the NTSB's public API. Aircraft are matched to registry aircraft by N-number and event date, checked against the reported serial number, make and model; the registry's history has gaps, so older matches can be wrong. Compare the reported make and model.

- [NTSB ANC00LA020](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC00LA020), Dec 23, 1999: Cessna 185 (N70021), Chenega Bay, AK, substantial damage. Probable cause: The pilot's selection of an unsuitable takeoff area during the incoming tide. Factors associated with the accident were the incoming tide wave, and the pressure induced by the delays encountered…

From the NTSB's public API. Aircraft are matched to registry aircraft by N-number and event date, checked against the reported serial number, make and model; the registry's history has gaps, so older matches can be wrong. Compare the reported make and model.

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