# NTSB SEA91LA100: Cessna A185F, N2450J, Orting, WA, May 3, 1991

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: May 3, 1991, 09:00 local (16:00 UTC)
- Place: Orting, WA
- Coordinates: 47.039192, -122.140068 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=47.0392&lon=-122.1401&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Landing](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/550) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 2 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report February 8, 1993
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 41424
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=SEA91LA100
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/41424/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA91LA100

## Probable cause

THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO MAINTAIN DIRECTIONAL CONTROL OF THE AIRCRAFT. CONTRIBUTING TO THE ACCIDENT WAS A VIBRATION IN THE LEFT MAIN LANDING GEAR.

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of control - on ground/water, landing - roll
  - directional control - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
  - landing gear,main gear - vibration (contributing factor)

## Analysis

THE PILOT OF THE CESSNA 185 TAILWHEEL AIRCRAFT LOST DIRECTIONAL CONTROL AND SWERVED OFF THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE RUNWAY AFTER LANDING WHEN HE BECAME DISTRACTED BY A VIBRATION OR SHIMMY IN THE LEFT MAIN LANDING GEAR.

## Aircraft

- Registration: N2450J (not matched to a registry record)
- Reported make and model: CESSNA A185F
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 18504390
- Engines: CONTINENTAL IO-520-D 300 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: William E. Nordstrom
- Registered owner: William E. Nordstrom
- Departed: RNT, RENTON, WA
- Airport: 1S0, Thun Field, runway 34, 3,650 × 60 ft, asphalt

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 27; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; flight hours: 159 total, 80 in this make and model, 98 as pilot in command, 1 in the last 90 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: variable at 5 knots, gusting 10
- Visibility: 20 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: -0 °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 19910503014419A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19910503014419A), May 3, 1991: Cessna A185F, Puyallup, WA, Substantial damage. Lost directional control on landing,left the runway. Damaged wing and stabilizer. Flight was to demo use of loran.

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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