Casualties unknown

1998-09-10: Cessna 170B (N8245A) — Frank Mason — San Jose, CA

San Jose, CA, US

On September 10, 1998, a Cessna 170B (registration N8245A) operated by Frank Mason was involved in an aviation accident near San Jose, CA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's inadequate compensation for the existing crosswind condition and failure to maintain directional control. 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 student pilot, after an hour of pattern work with an instructor, attempted touch-and-go landings solo. During one such landing, the aircraft veered off the runway into grass and nosed over.

Incident Overview

A student pilot was practicing landings in the traffic pattern with an instructor for approximately one hour. Following that session, the pilot's passenger arrived and the instructor vacated the aircraft. The pilot then took off to continue practicing additional landings.

Sequence of Events

The pilot performed a normal three-point landing. Subsequently, he retracted the flaps, applied full power, and pushed forward on the yoke to raise the tail. Initially, the airplane tracked straight down the runway. However, it soon began to drift, requiring the pilot to apply left aileron and right rudder to correct. As the pilot adjusted controls to realign the aircraft with the runway, the airplane veered sharply. It departed the paved surface and entered a grassy area adjacent to the runway, where it nosed over.

Relevant Conditions

No information was provided regarding aircraft type, registration, engine count, date, operator, location, occupants beyond the pilot and passenger, injuries, damage, time of day, weather, or air traffic control involvement.

Probable Cause

The source does not state a probable cause for the accident.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001211X11097. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.