CESSNA 170
Death Valley, CA — March 26, 2017
Event Information
| Date | March 26, 2017 |
| Event Type | ACC |
| NTSB Number | GAA17CA204 |
| Event ID | 20170327X60749 |
| Location | Death Valley, CA |
| Country | USA |
| Coordinates | 36.80667, -117.78167 |
| Highest Injury | MINR |
Aircraft
| Make | CESSNA |
| Model | 170 |
| Category | AIR |
| FAR Part | 091 |
| Aircraft Damage | SUBS |
Conditions
| Light Condition | DAYL |
| Weather | VMC |
Injuries
| Fatal | 0 |
| Serious | 0 |
| Minor | 2 |
| None | 2 |
| Total Injured | 2 |
Event Location
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.
Full 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.
About This NTSB Record
This aviation event was investigated by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). NTSB investigates all U.S. civil aviation accidents to determine probable cause and issue safety recommendations to prevent future accidents.