CESSNA 170B near Minto Flats, AK — 2010-10-03

Probable cause

The pilot's selection of unsuitable terrain for takeoff, resulting in a loss of control.

NTSB narrative

The pilot reported that during the takeoff roll from a remote site the tailwheel-equipped airplane encountered soft terrain and nosed down. He stated that the accident takeoff was his third attempt to depart the site, and that during the attempt he realized the runway was not long enough and reduced the engine power to idle. The airplane's main landing gear tires sank into the soft terrain and the airplane nosed down, sustaining substantial damage to the right wing assembly. The pilot noted that there were no preimpact mechanical anomalies with the airplane.

NTSB coding

• Nose over/nose down · Takeoff-rejected takeoff
• Decision Making / Judgment

Evidence available

• 1 docket document

Docket documents1

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

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