Casualties unknown

1991-04-07: Cessna 170B (N3108A) — Ronald E. Gaff — Newburyport, MA

Newburyport, MA, US

On April 7, 1991, a Cessna 170B (registration N3108A) operated by Ronald E. Gaff was involved in an aviation accident near Newburyport, MA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's inability to maintain directional control during takeoff due to gusty crosswind conditions. 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

The pilot lost control of the aircraft during takeoff when a sudden gust caused it to veer left in nearly perpendicular crosswinds with gusts up to 20 knots.

What happened

The pilot reported losing control of the airplane while attempting to take off in windy conditions. According to the pilot, the aircraft began to drift sharply to the left almost immediately after becoming airborne. This deviation was attributed to a sudden gust of wind that struck the plane.

The weather conditions at the time included a crosswind approaching a 90-degree angle relative to the runway. Wind speeds were variable, with gusts reaching up to 20 knots. The pilot described the event as an immediate response to these atmospheric disturbances rather than a mechanical failure.

The investigation

Following the incident, investigators examined the aircraft to determine if equipment failure played a role in the loss of control. The post-accident inspection focused on two primary systems: the flight controls and the propulsion unit.

The examination revealed that both the flight control system and the engine were functioning properly. There was no evidence of mechanical malfunction or structural failure that could have contributed to the aircraft's behavior during the takeoff roll and initial climb.

Probable cause

The pilot's inability to maintain directional control during takeoff due to gusty crosswind conditions.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001212X16862. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.