Casualties unknown

Student Pilot Experiences Ground Loop and Nose-Over During Touch-and-Go (N8245A)

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 2026-07-04Data 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.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 10 Sept 1998 Cessna 170B accident near San Jose, CA?

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.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 10 Sept 1998 involved a Cessna 170B, registration N8245A, operated by Frank Mason, at San Jose, CA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's inadequate compensation for the existing crosswind condition and failure to maintain directional control

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.