Casualties unknown

1998-06-01: Cessna 170B (N1896C) — Earl W. Backenstow — Los Alamos, NM

Los Alamos, NM, US

On June 1, 1998, a Cessna 170B (registration N1896C) operated by Earl W. Backenstow was involved in an aviation accident near Los Alamos, NM. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's inadequate compensation for the wind conditions. Contributing factors were the crosswinds, the fence, and the ditch. 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 wheel landing on runway 27, the aircraft weathervaned and exited the runway to the left, striking a ditch and fence. The pilot had received an airport advisory indicating wind from south-southeast at 10 knots gusting to 20 knots.

Accident Details

The pilot was performing a wheel landing on runway 27, which is 5,500 feet long and 75 feet wide, with an elevation of 7,171 feet. The runway is located on top of a mesa, with trees lining the south side.

Prior to landing, the pilot requested an airport advisory. The advisory reported wind from south-southeast at 10 knots with gusts to 20 knots.

Landing and Runway Excursion

When the airplane touched down, it began to weathervane. Subsequently, it exited the runway to the left and struck a ditch and a fence. The density altitude at the time of the accident was 10,459 feet.

Additional Information

The source provides no further details regarding aircraft type, registration, engine count, date, operator, location, occupants, injuries, damage items, time of day, or ATC involvement. No probable cause was stated in the source.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001211X10300. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.