On March 23, 1989, a Cessna 170A (registration N9187A) operated by William F. Meese was involved in an aviation accident near Ravenswood, WV. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's loss of directional control during landing on runway 21. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A pilot lost directional control upon touchdown on runway 21, causing the aircraft to groundloop. Post-crash inspection revealed no pre-impact mechanical failures or malfunctions.
What happened
The pilot reported that winds were from the east and the airport UNICOM indicated local traffic was using runway 03. The pilot decided to use runway 21. Upon touchdown, the pilot lost control and the airplane groundlooped.
The investigation
Post-crash examination of the airplane by an FAA inspector disclosed no precrash failures or malfunctions.
Probable cause
The pilot's loss of directional control during landing on runway 21.