CESSNA 170
Alamogordo, NM — June 28, 2017
Event Information
| Date | June 28, 2017 |
| Event Type | ACC |
| NTSB Number | GAA17CA382 |
| Event ID | 20170704X04715 |
| Location | Alamogordo, NM |
| Country | USA |
| Coordinates | 32.83944, -105.99111 |
| Airport | ALAMOGORDO-WHITE SANDS RGNL |
| Highest Injury | NONE |
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 | 0 |
| None | 2 |
| Total Injured | 0 |
Event Location
Probable Cause
The pilot receiving instruction’s failure to maintain directional control during the landing roll and the flight instructor’s delayed remedial action, which resulted in a ground loop.
Full Narrative
The flight instructor in the tailwheel-equipped airplane reported that the pilot flying was receiving instruction for a tailwheel endorsement. He added that, during the 7th landing of the day, the pilot extended the downwind to allow for traffic that landed ahead of them. He further added that, during the wheel landing touchdown, as the tail was settling to the ground, a wind gust "turned the airplane's tail," which resulted in a ground loop on the runway.
The left wing, engine mounts, and windscreen sustained substantial damage.
The flight instructor and pilot receiving instruction reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
An automated weather observation station, at the accident airport, recorded wind from 240° at 6 knots. The flight instructor reported that the landing was on runway 22.
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.