CESSNA 170B near Anchorage, AK — 2009-06-11

Probable cause

The flight instructor's decision to land with a tailwind, and his failure to maintain directional control during landing, resulting in a ground-loop and nose-over.

NTSB narrative

The flight instructor was returning from the practice area with his student on a Title 14, CFR part 91, instructional flight. The flight instructor said he landed the tailwheel-equipped airplane with a 8-11 knot quartering tailwind. He said as the airplane slowed, the tailwind blew the nose to the right, resulting in a ground-loop and nose-over. He also reported that the accident could have been prevented by not landing with a tailwind.

Analysis

Primary failure mode

Human factors

First missed decision gate

Avoid landing with a tailwind to prevent loss of control.

NTSB coding

• Loss of control on ground · Landing
• Decision Making / Judgment

Evidence available

• 1 docket document

Docket documents1

• Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report, NTSB Form 6120.1 (Partial)form

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