Casualties unknown

1996-07-13: Cessna 170B (N170EC) — Arlington, WA

Arlington, WA, US

On July 13, 1996, a Cessna 170B (registration N170EC) was involved in an aviation accident near Arlington, WA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: the pilot's failure to maintain directional control during landing, which resulted in an inadvertent ground swerve. The crosswind and wet runway were related factors. 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

During a landing on a watered grass runway, a gust of wind lifted a wing, leading to loss of directional control and collapse of the right main landing gear.

Incident Overview

A pilot experienced a landing incident on a temporary grass runway that was kept watered to reduce dust. According to the pilot's account to FAA inspectors and a written report, the event unfolded as the aircraft touched down.

Sequence of Events

As the airplane made contact with the runway, a gust of wind lifted one wing. The pilot reported feeling a hard pull to the right immediately after touchdown. He attempted to compensate by applying opposite rudder and aileron inputs. The wind was blowing perpendicular to the runway at an estimated 15 to 20 knots. Despite the pilot's corrective actions, the airplane slid sideways approximately 15 to 20 degrees off the runway heading in a westerly direction. This slide resulted in a loss of directional control, after which the right main landing gear collapsed.

Runway Conditions

The runway was a temporary grass strip, intentionally watered to minimize dust. The pilot noted the crosswind conditions and his efforts to correct for them during the landing roll.

Outcome

The right main landing gear collapsed following the loss of control. No other details about damage, injuries, or aircraft specifics were provided in the pilot's report.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001208X06374. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.