On November 28, 1996, a Cessna 170A (registration N1729D) operated by Dennis A. Treadwell was involved in an aviation accident near EL Cajon, CA. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during takeoff, attributed to his lack of experience with conventional gear aircraft. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A light aircraft ground looped to the left during the initial phase of takeoff on runway 27L, resulting in damage to the right wing. The pilot had limited experience with conventional gear aircraft.
What happened
The pilot initiated a takeoff roll on runway 27L under calm wind conditions. During the early stages of acceleration, the aircraft deviated sharply to the left, causing it to ground loop. This loss of directional control resulted in damage to the right wing.
The investigation
Review of the pilot's flight records indicated that he possessed very few hours of experience flying aircraft with conventional landing gear configuration. This lack of specific experience was a significant factor in the incident.
Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during takeoff, attributed to his lack of experience with conventional gear aircraft.
Frequently asked questions
What happened in the 28 Nov 1996 Cessna 170A accident near EL Cajon, CA?
A light aircraft ground looped to the left during the initial phase of takeoff on runway 27L, resulting in damage to the right wing. The pilot had limited experience with conventional gear aircraft.
Were there any fatalities in the 28 Nov 1996 Cessna 170A accident?
No fatalities were recorded in this accident.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 28 Nov 1996 involved a Cessna 170A, registration N1729D, operated by Dennis A. Treadwell, at EL Cajon, CA.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during takeoff, attributed to his lack of experience with conventional gear aircraft.
A SkyWalk Join't 3 paraglider crashed into the ground near Las Vizcachas, Chile, on September 1, 2024. The pilot and passenger sustained serious spinal…
PARAPENTE (ULTRALIVIANO NO MOTORIZADO)·2024-09-01DGAC Chile
A Cessna 172N struck electrical cables while on final approach to land at Aucó Aerodrome in Chile. The pilot was uninjured, but the aircraft sustained damage…
A Bombardier DHC-8-402 suffered a tail strike during landing at Puerto Williams on September 9, 2024. All 76 occupants were unharmed, but the aircraft…
A MYD JS-MD 3 glider veered off the runway and struck a wall at Vitacura Aerodrome on January 6, 2025. The pilot was uninjured, but the aircraft sustained…
A recreational paraglider flight in Puchuncaví, Chile, ended with the pilot sustaining serious injuries after a rapid descent and impact with a hillside on…
PARAPENTE (ULTRALIVIANO NO MOTORIZADO)·2025-03-29DGAC Chile
A Tecnam P2006T landed on its belly at an aerodrome in Poland after the crew failed to confirm landing gear deployment. The incident resulted in no injuries…