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Low Pass to Check Cattle Results in Landing Gear Strike and Ground Loop (N8163A)

Steele, ND, US

On July 30, 1993, a Cessna 170B (registration N8163A) operated by Kalainov, Ron was involved in an aviation accident near Steele, ND. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE PILOT-IN-COMMAND'S POOR IN-FLIGHT DECISION AND FAILURE TO MAINTAIN PROPER CLEARANCE. 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 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

A pilot making a low pass to check cattle struck and killed a cow with the right main landing gear, tearing it off. Landing without the gear caused a ground loop, damaging the wing.

Incident Details

During a low-altitude pass intended to inspect cattle, the aircraft's right main landing gear struck a cow. The impact killed the animal and tore the landing gear completely from the airplane.

Forced Landing

With the right main landing gear missing, the pilot landed on a neighbor's airstrip. The lack of right main gear caused the airplane to ground loop upon landing, resulting in damage to the right outboard wing and wing tip.

Documentation Inquiry

Following the incident, the pilot failed to produce a pilot certificate, a valid medical certificate, or evidence of a recent biennial flight review (BFR) when requested.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 30 Jul 1993 Cessna 170B accident near Steele, ND?

A pilot making a low pass to check cattle struck and killed a cow with the right main landing gear, tearing it off. Landing without the gear caused a ground loop, damaging the wing.

Were there any fatalities in the 30 Jul 1993 Cessna 170B accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 30 Jul 1993 involved a Cessna 170B, registration N8163A, operated by Kalainov, Ron, at Steele, ND.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

THE PILOT-IN-COMMAND'S POOR IN-FLIGHT DECISION AND FAILURE TO MAINTAIN PROPER CLEARANCE.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001211X12875. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.