On June 3, 1991, a Cessna 170B (registration N1658D) operated by Lucius R. Clement was involved in an aviation accident near Anchorage, AK. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during a landing in variable crosswind conditions. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A pilot lost directional control and ground-looped upon touchdown during variable crosswind conditions after a runway change request was denied due to conflicting traffic.
What happened
The aircraft experienced a loss of directional control immediately upon touching down on the runway. The event occurred under variable crosswind conditions, which contributed to the pilot's inability to maintain the desired ground track. As a result of this loss of control, the airplane ground-looped upon touchdown.
Prior to the landing attempt, the pilot had requested clearance to land on an alternative runway. This request was made with the intention of achieving a headwind component for the approach and landing, which would have provided more favorable conditions for directional control. However, the control tower operator denied this request due to conflicting traffic on the airport surface.
The investigation
The investigation focused on the circumstances surrounding the loss of control during the final phase of flight. Key factors identified included the variable crosswind conditions present at the time of the accident and the decision to proceed with the landing on the originally assigned runway despite the pilot's preference for a different configuration.
Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during a landing in variable crosswind conditions.