On October 31, 1999, a Cessna 170A (registration N9063A) was involved in an aviation accident near EL Mirage, CA. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's loss of directional control during rollout on an unprepared surface. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A pilot conducted a precautionary landing on a dry lakebed due to perceived engine roughness. Directional control was lost during rollout, resulting in a ground loop despite no actual mechanical failure.
What happened
The pilot was operating a personal flight when he noticed the engine running roughly. To assess the situation safely, he chose to perform a precautionary landing on a smooth, dry lakebed. During the rollout phase of the landing, the aircraft lost directional control and ground looped. The wind conditions at the time were light and variable. After the incident, the pilot reported that no mechanical problems or malfunctions had occurred during the flight.
Findings
The loss of directional control was attributed to the surface conditions and rollout dynamics rather than a mechanical failure. The pilot's decision to land on an unprepared surface contributed to the outcome.
Probable cause
The pilot's loss of directional control during rollout on an unprepared surface.
Frequently asked questions
What happened in the 31 Oct 1999 Cessna 170A accident near EL Mirage, CA?
A pilot conducted a precautionary landing on a dry lakebed due to perceived engine roughness. Directional control was lost during rollout, resulting in a ground loop despite no actual mechanical failure.
Were there any fatalities in the 31 Oct 1999 Cessna 170A accident?
No fatalities were recorded in this accident.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 31 Oct 1999 involved a Cessna 170A, registration N9063A, at EL Mirage, CA.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The pilot's loss of directional control during rollout on an unprepared surface.
A SkyWalk Join't 3 paraglider crashed into the ground near Las Vizcachas, Chile, on September 1, 2024. The pilot and passenger sustained serious spinal…
PARAPENTE (ULTRALIVIANO NO MOTORIZADO)·2024-09-01DGAC Chile
A Cessna 172N struck electrical cables while on final approach to land at Aucó Aerodrome in Chile. The pilot was uninjured, but the aircraft sustained damage…
A Bombardier DHC-8-402 suffered a tail strike during landing at Puerto Williams on September 9, 2024. All 76 occupants were unharmed, but the aircraft…
A MYD JS-MD 3 glider veered off the runway and struck a wall at Vitacura Aerodrome on January 6, 2025. The pilot was uninjured, but the aircraft sustained…
A recreational paraglider flight in Puchuncaví, Chile, ended with the pilot sustaining serious injuries after a rapid descent and impact with a hillside on…
PARAPENTE (ULTRALIVIANO NO MOTORIZADO)·2025-03-29DGAC Chile
A Tecnam P2006T landed on its belly at an aerodrome in Poland after the crew failed to confirm landing gear deployment. The incident resulted in no injuries…