Casualties unknown

1992-11-14: Cessna 170B (N2836C) — Peter J. Conroy — Kankakee, IL

Kankakee, IL, US

On November 14, 1992, a Cessna 170B (registration N2836C) operated by Peter J. Conroy was involved in an aviation accident near Kankakee, IL. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: A crosswind during the landing flare caused the wing to lift, leading to a landing roll that drifted off the runway centerline and into soft ground, resulting in a nose-over. 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

A pilot practicing takeoffs and landings experienced a wing lift during the flare, leading to an excursion off the runway and a nose-over accident.

What happened

The pilot was engaged in practice sessions involving takeoffs and landings in a tailwheel configured airplane. During the landing portion of the flight, the pilot reported that a wind component picked up the aircraft's wing during the flare for touchdown. The pilot described the wind conditions as an approximate 50-degree crosswind at nine knots, with gusts reaching about thirteen knots.

After leveling the wings, the airplane touched down on the runway; however, the landing roll was not parallel to the runway centerline. As the aircraft continued down the runway, it exited the runway edge. The tires of the aircraft sank into soft ground, causing the airplane to nose over.

A flight instructor witnessing the event noted that the winds were unusually variable during the period of the accident. The instructor observed the left wing strike the ground, after which the aircraft cartwheeled and came to rest with its nose and left wingtip on the ground. The pilot was not injured.

Probable cause

A crosswind during the landing flare caused the wing to lift, leading to a landing roll that drifted off the runway centerline and into soft ground, resulting in a nose-over.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001211X16016. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.