On June 10, 1990, a Cessna 170B (registration N2672D) operated by Kirk D. Heineman was involved in an aviation accident near Concord, CA. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the landing rollout by not properly compensating for crosswind conditions, which resulted in the collapse of the left main gear. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A certified commercial pilot failed to maintain directional control during the landing rollout of a crosswind approach, causing the left main gear to collapse as the aircraft ground looped.
What happened
The certificated commercial pilot and flight instructor observed that crosswind conditions were present at the airport prior to landing. The airplane touched down normally on the runway. However, during the subsequent landing rollout, the pilot was unable to maintain directional control of the aircraft. This loss of control occurred because the pilot failed to properly compensate for the existing wind conditions.
As a result of the inability to keep the aircraft aligned with the runway centerline, the airplane entered a ground loop. The left main gear collapsed during this maneuver.
Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the landing rollout by not properly compensating for crosswind conditions, which resulted in the collapse of the left main gear.
Frequently asked questions
What happened in the 10 Jun 1990 Cessna 170B accident near Concord, CA?
A certified commercial pilot failed to maintain directional control during the landing rollout of a crosswind approach, causing the left main gear to collapse as the aircraft ground looped.
Were there any fatalities in the 10 Jun 1990 Cessna 170B accident?
No fatalities were recorded in this accident.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 10 Jun 1990 involved a Cessna 170B, registration N2672D, operated by Kirk D. Heineman, at Concord, CA.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the landing rollout by not properly compensating for crosswind conditions, which resulted in the collapse of the left main gear.
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