Casualties unknown

1986-02-21: Cessna 170B (N3400C) — Alliance, NE

Alliance, NE, US

On February 21, 1986, a Cessna 170B (registration N3400C) was involved in an aviation accident near Alliance, NE. 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 1781061362Data APIEditorial standards

A pilot lost control of an aircraft during a downwind landing on a private ranch strip in Nebraska, causing substantial damage when the wing struck uneven terrain.

Incident Summary

A pilot, having recently completed a biennial flight review at Alliance, Nebraska, was returning to his ranch property located south of Alliance. He intended to land on a road that he customarily uses as a landing strip. Wind information from both Alliance Airport and the FAA Flight Service Station in Scottsbluff indicated that winds were generally from the southwest to west, with speeds ranging from 14 to 26 knots. The pilot was aware of these wind conditions. Despite this, he landed downwind on the road. During the landing roll, he lost control of the aircraft, causing it to veer off the side of the road and into uneven terrain. As the aircraft left the road, the wing struck the ground, resulting in substantial damage.

Weather Conditions

The wind direction was reported as generally from the southwest to west. Wind speeds were between 14 and 26 knots. These reports came from Alliance Airport and the FAA Flight Service Station in Scottsbluff. The pilot acknowledged his awareness of the wind conditions prior to landing.

Sequence of Events

After completing the biennial flight review, the pilot flew to his ranch property. He executed a landing approach on a road he uses as a landing strip. The landing was performed downwind based on the reported wind conditions. Upon touchdown, the pilot lost control during the landing roll. The aircraft departed the side of the road, entering uneven terrain. The wing contacted the terrain during this departure, causing substantial damage to the aircraft.

Damage

The aircraft was substantially damaged when the wing struck the ground after veering off the road.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001213X32926. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.