Pilot Debrief

CESSNA 170 near Fitchburg, MA — 2025-08-23

Final reportERA25LA312
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Date
2025-08-23
Location
Fitchburg, MA, USA
Airport
FIT
Aircraft
CESSNA 170
Registration
N2589V
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control during the landing roll with a quartering tailwind.

NTSB narrative

The pilot of the tailwheel-equipped airplane was approaching his destination airport for landing. During the landing roll, the airplane lifted off but then descended back to the runway and veered to the left. The pilot attempted to correct with opposite rudder, but the airplane then ground looped to the left and exited the left side of the runway. The airplane subsequently nosed over, which resulted in substantial damage to the rudder, aft fuselage, and right-wing lift strut. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. At the time of the accident, the pilot was landing on runway 32 and the report wind was from 210° at 8 knots, which would have resulted in the left quartering tailwind.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • Photos
  • 2 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents2

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CESSNA 170 near Fitchburg, MA — 2025-08-23 · Pilot Debrief