On July 2, 1991, a Cessna 170B (registration N2765D) operated by Neal A. Oppen was involved in an aviation accident near Cordova, AK. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's decision to intentionally ground loop the aircraft to avoid a pond, which resulted in the collapse of the right main landing gear. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A pilot encountered a crosswind during takeoff that pushed the aircraft off the runway, prompting an intentional ground loop to avoid a pond and resulting in landing gear collapse.
What happened
During the takeoff ground run, the pilot reported encountering significant crosswind conditions. These winds caused the airplane to drift laterally, pushing it off the left side of the runway surface. As the aircraft continued its uncontrolled path toward a nearby pond of water, the pilot made the decision to intentionally execute a ground loop maneuver. This action was taken specifically to prevent the aircraft from entering the water.
The investigation
The immediate physical consequences of the maneuver were severe. Following the intentional ground loop, the right main landing gear collapsed under the stress. This structural failure caused the right wing to strike the ground, resulting in substantial damage to the airframe and landing gear assembly.
Probable cause
The pilot's decision to intentionally ground loop the aircraft to avoid a pond, which resulted in the collapse of the right main landing gear.