Pilot Debrief

CESSNA 170 near Death Valley, CA — 2017-03-26

Final reportGAA17CA204
Sign in to save
Date
2017-03-26
Location
Death Valley, CA, USA
Aircraft
CESSNA 170
Registration
N9953A
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Minor
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

The pilot’s improper compensation for crosswind conditions during the landing flare and his subsequent failure to maintain directional control during the landing.

NTSB narrative

The pilot of the tailwheel-equipped airplane reported that, during landing on a backcountry dirt airstrip in a crosswind, the airplane touched down and bounced. He added that he attempted to maintain directional control, but a "[wind] gust weathervaned the aircraft nose left," and the right main landing gear wheel dug into the ground during the second touchdown. Subsequently, the airplane ground looped to the left, and the right wing impacted the ground. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the right wing. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents2

Related mishaps