On July 6, 1997, a Cessna 170B (registration N211R) was involved in an aviation accident near Jackson, WY. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during landing due to a gust of wind. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A light aircraft veered off the runway and nosed over during landing at an airport where wind gusts reached 16 knots, causing the pilot to lose directional control.
What happened
The accident occurred while the pilot was attempting to land on runway 18. According to the pilot's report to airport personnel, a sudden gust of wind struck the airplane just as it was about to touch down on the pavement. This crosswind component caused the aircraft to veer off the side of the runway.
As the airplane left the paved surface, it subsequently nosed over. At the time of the incident, weather observations at the airport indicated winds from 240 degrees at nine knots with gusts reaching up to 16 knots. The pilot stated that he was unable to maintain directional control during this critical phase of flight due to the wind conditions.
Findings
The investigation focused on the environmental conditions and the pilot's account of the event. The primary factor identified was the loss of directional control caused by the gusting wind during the landing rollout.
Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during landing due to a gust of wind.
Frequently asked questions
What happened in the 6 Jul 1997 Cessna 170B accident near Jackson, WY?
A light aircraft veered off the runway and nosed over during landing at an airport where wind gusts reached 16 knots, causing the pilot to lose directional control.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 6 Jul 1997 involved a Cessna 170B, registration N211R, at Jackson, WY.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during landing due to a gust of wind.
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…