Casualties unknown

Tail Wheel Strike During Go-Around Damages Aircraft on Grass Strip (N5709C)

Marathon, NY, US

On September 28, 1985, a Cessna C-170A (registration N5709C) was involved in an aviation accident near Marathon, NY. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards
Aircraft registered N5709C
Aircraft registered N5709C. Photo: Cosmicaster1 / CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

During a landing attempt on a 1600 ft private grass airstrip, the pilot found the aircraft too high. A go-around was initiated, but the tail wheel struck the ground, causing a loss of control. The aircraft came to rest in a field, sustaining damage to the wingtip, landing gear, and propeller.

Incident Overview

A pilot conducting an approach to a 1600-foot private grass airstrip perceived the aircraft to be too high. Despite this, the landing attempt was continued until the pilot determined that there would be insufficient runway to stop the aircraft. At that point, a go-around was initiated.

Sequence of Events

During the go-around, the tail wheel of the aircraft struck the ground. This contact resulted in a loss of control. The aircraft subsequently came to rest in a field beyond the runway.

Damage

Examination of the aircraft revealed damage to the wingtip, landing gear, and propeller. No other damage was reported.

Contributing Factors

No contributing factors were identified in the source material.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 28 Sept 1985 Cessna C-170A accident near Marathon, NY?

During a landing attempt on a 1600 ft private grass airstrip, the pilot found the aircraft too high. A go-around was initiated, but the tail wheel struck the ground, causing a loss of control. The aircraft came to rest in a field, sustaining damage to the wingtip, landing gear, and propeller.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 28 Sept 1985 involved a Cessna C-170A, registration N5709C, at Marathon, NY.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001214X37898. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.