Casualties unknown

1999-06-22: Cessna 170 (N4163V) — Durango, CO

Durango, CO, US

On June 22, 1999, a Cessna 170 (registration N4163V) was involved in an aviation accident near Durango, CO. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain directional control of the aircraft during landing roll. A factor was the high density altitude and the high vegetation (sagebrush). 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 the pilot's third landing attempt, the aircraft's right wheel exited the pavement, traveling at high speed through sagebrush before coming to rest upright.

Accident Summary

During the pilot's third landing attempt, the aircraft departed the right side of the runway. The right wheel exited the pavement, and the pilot was unable to return the aircraft completely back onto the runway. The airplane continued to the right and traveled at a high speed through sagebrush. While attempting to maneuver the aircraft back onto the runway, the airplane skidded sideways towards the west at a 90-degree angle from the runway. The aircraft tilted onto its left side, bounced back, and came to rest in an upright position.

Flight Details

During the landing, the aircraft's indicated airspeed was 60 knots, and the ground speed was approximately 85 knots. The density altitude at the time of the accident was calculated to be 9,422 feet. The pilot made three landing attempts before the runway excursion occurred.

Findings

The investigation did not state a probable cause for the accident. Factual information includes the pilot's third landing attempt, the departure from the right side of the runway, the high-speed travel through sagebrush, and the measured airspeeds and density altitude.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001212X18986. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.