Pilot Debrief

CESSNA 170B near Bessemer, AL — 2026-03-27

Final reportERA26LA152
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Date
2026-03-27
Location
Bessemer, AL, USA
Airport
EKY
Aircraft
CESSNA 170B
Registration
N3184B
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

The pilot’s loss of directional control during the landing roll.

NTSB narrative

The pilot of the tailwheel-equipped airplane was operating in the airport traffic pattern. After completing a low approach to estimate the wind conditions, the pilot elected to land on the opposite direction runway due to a wind shift. The pilot planned to perform a three-point, full-stall landing, and during the landing flare the stall warning horn sounded. During the landing, the tailwheel contacted the runway, followed by the main landing gear, after which the airplane began heading to the left. The pilot attempted to apply corrective control inputs with the rudder, but the airplane did not respond as he expected. The airplane subsequently contacted trees off the side of the runway, resulting in substantial damage to the airplane’s wings. The pilot reported that there were no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures of the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents3

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