Casualties unknown

1998-08-07: Cessna 170 (N9968A) — Steven M. Pickett — Pell City, AL

Pell City, AL, US

On August 7, 1998, a Cessna 170 (registration N9968A) operated by Steven M. Pickett was involved in an aviation accident near Pell City, AL. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's improper use of the flight controls during a crosswind landing and the improper recovery from a bounce resulted in the collapse of the right main landing gear. A factor was the right crosswind. 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 supervised solo flight involving multiple landings, a student pilot experienced a landing gear collapse after a bounced touchdown in crosswind conditions. No mechanical issues were reported pre-accident.

Incident Overview

A student pilot was conducting his third supervised solo flight, which consisted of several landings. During the final landing, the airplane touched down approximately 1,000 feet from the approach end of the runway. The student pilot reported that after performing a three-point touchdown, the airplane bounced and weathervaned into the crosswind.

Landing Gear Failure

As the airplane contacted the runway again, the right main landing gear collapsed. An eyewitness reported that the airplane was still in a proper crab position when the right main gear failed. Following the collapse, the right wing struck the runway, and the aircraft ground looped.

Mechanical Examination

The student pilot reported no mechanical problems with the airplane prior to the accident. Examination of the right landing gear box assembly revealed no structural deformation other than overload damage.

Conditions

The accident occurred during daylight hours under crosswind conditions, as noted by the weathervaning event. No other contributing factors were identified in the source material.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001211X10763. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.