Casualties unknown

1998-05-24: Cessna 170A (N9732A) — Provo, UT

Provo, UT, US

On May 24, 1998, a Cessna 170A (registration N9732A) was involved in an aviation accident near Provo, UT. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: failure of the pilot to maintain directional control of the airplane. A related factor was the right quartering tailwind gust. 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

A pilot, unable to obtain wind information, landed on runway 13 after seeing a calm windsock. The left wheel broke off, causing a ground loop. An FAA inspector attributed the failure to overload.

Incident

A pilot reported difficulties during approach to his destination, stating he was unable to contact the airport or other air traffic to obtain wind information to determine which runway was in use. After overflying the airport, he observed the wind sock, which indicated calm winds, and subsequently landed on runway 13.

During the landing roll, the pilot noted the airplane 'felt soft on the left side' and began 'weaving' down the runway. The left wheel then broke off the landing gear, and the airplane ground looped.

Witness and Examination

A witness later spoke with the pilot and suggested he 'may have experienced a right quartering tail wind gust.' An FAA inspector who examined the airplane stated that the failure appeared to be overload.

Probable Cause

The FAA inspector determined that the wheel failure was due to overload.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001211X10087. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.