Cessna 170
Missoula, MT — December 28, 2019
Event Information
| Date | December 28, 2019 |
| Event Type | ACC |
| NTSB Number | WPR20CA053 |
| Event ID | 20191228X62945 |
| Location | Missoula, MT |
| Country | USA |
| Coordinates | 46.91583, -114.08945 |
| Airport | Missoula Intl |
| 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 takeoff roll, which resulted in a runway excursion and ground-loop, and the flight instructor’s failure to adequately monitor the pilot.
Full Narrative
The pilot reported that, during the takeoff roll in the tailwheel equipped airplane, it began to veer to the left. He applied corrective control inputs, and the flight instructor called for him to abort the takeoff, but the airplane ground looped as it departed the runway.
The airplane sustained substantial damage to the right wing and aileron.
Both pilots were flight instructors, and the pilot at the controls was receiving instruction for his tailwheel endorsement. The flight instructor providing instruction stated that the event happened too fast for him to correct the diversion.
Neither pilot reported a preaccident mechanical failure or malfunction 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.