Casualties unknown

1987-05-16: Cessna 170B (N1979C) — Doug S. Chapman — Big Sky, MT

Big Sky, MT, US

On May 16, 1987, a Cessna 170B (registration N1979C) operated by Doug S. Chapman was involved in an aviation accident near Big Sky, MT. 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 private pilot flying cross country in deteriorating weather attempted a precautionary landing on a logging road. During rollout, the aircraft veered left, the left main gear struck an embankment and failed, causing the aircraft to pivot and come to rest left wing down.

Flight Conditions

The private pilot was flying cross country when weather deteriorated. Forecasts had indicated fog, and light rain was in progress. The flight encountered conditions below visual flight rules (VFR) in a mountainous area, prompting the pilot to reverse course. However, weather on the reverse course was also below VFR.

Maneuvers

After reversing course, the pilot elected to circle for one hour, waiting for VFR conditions to improve. When conditions did not improve, the pilot decided to attempt a precautionary landing on a logging road.

Precautionary Landing

During the landing rollout on the logging road, the aircraft departed the road to the left. The left main landing gear subsequently struck an embankment and failed. The aircraft then pivoted to the left and came to rest with the left wing down.

Outcome

The aircraft came to rest left wing down after the gear failure. No further information regarding injuries or damage beyond the gear failure and left wing contact was provided in the source.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001213X30917. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.