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Casualties unknown

Non-Certificated Pilot Experiences Ground Loop and Gear Collapse in Tail-Wheel Airplane (N4217V)

Delta Junction, AK, US

On April 19, 1997, a Cessna 170 (registration N4217V) was involved in an aviation accident near Delta Junction, AK. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: failure of the pilot to maintain directional control of the airplane. 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

During landing, a tail-wheel airplane drifted right; the pilot corrected left, causing a ground loop. The right main gear leg failed at a drilled hole, collapsing the gear. The right wing struck the ground, damaging the wing spar and ribs. The pilot lacked certification.

Accident Details

A non-certificated pilot was landing a tail-wheel equipped airplane after completing a local flight. Following touchdown, the airplane began to drift toward the right. The pilot corrected toward the left, and the airplane entered a ground loop. During the ground loop, the right main landing gear leg broke at a hole that had been drilled through the bottom of the gear strut, where the brake mechanism was normally attached. The gear then collapsed.

Aircraft Damage

As a result of the gear collapse, the right wing struck the ground. The impact caused damage to the right wing spar and several wing ribs.

Pilot Information

The pilot did not possess a pilot certificate or a medical certificate. He had accrued approximately 600 hours of flight experience.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 19 Apr 1997 Cessna 170 accident near Delta Junction, AK?

During landing, a tail-wheel airplane drifted right; the pilot corrected left, causing a ground loop. The right main gear leg failed at a drilled hole, collapsing the gear. The right wing struck the ground, damaging the wing spar and ribs. The pilot lacked certification.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 19 Apr 1997 involved a Cessna 170, registration N4217V, at Delta Junction, AK.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

failure of the pilot to maintain directional control of the airplane.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001208X07649. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.