As The Tailwheel Touched Down, The Airplane Veered To The Right

Location: Arlington, WA Accident Number: WPR21LA339
Date & Time: September 8, 2021, 11:30 Local Registration: N185BB
Aircraft: Cessna A185F Injuries: 3 None
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General aviation - Instructional

On September 8, 2021, about 1130 Pacific daylight time, a Cessna A185F, N185BB, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near Arlington, Washington. The flight instructor, pilot rated student and passenger were not injured. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 instructional.

The flight instructor of a tailwheel airplane reported that, after the pilot rated student performed several landings, he assumed control of the airplane to demonstrate a wheel landing. During the landing roll to runway 16, as the tailwheel touched down, the airplane veered to the right. While attempting to correct with brake and rudder, the airplane exited the right side of the runway and ground looped to the right.

The left wing and horizontal stabilizer struck the surface. Postaccident examination of the airplane revealed that the left wing, left horizontal stabilizer and elevator were substantially damaged. The tailwheel fitting spring attachment was partially fractured. The wreckage was recovered for further examination.

FMI: www.ntsb.gov