On April 13, 2000, a Cessna 170B (registration N2790C) was involved in an aviation accident near Igiugig, AK. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's intentional flight into known adverse weather. Factors associated with the accident were the variable crosswind conditions, and the pilot's inadequate compensation for those wind conditions. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A pilot on takeoff from an 800-foot sand bar encountered a strong left crosswind; a gust pushed the airplane onto soft snow, causing it to nose over and sustain substantial damage.
Accident Details
A certificated private pilot was attempting a southeasterly departure from an 800-foot-long sand bar. The pilot reported that the takeoff run required a correction for a strong left crosswind. During the takeoff run, as the airplane became airborne, a strong gust of wind pushed the airplane to the right and over an area of soft snow. According to the pilot, when the wind decreased, the airplane's main wheels contacted the soft snow, and the airplane nosed over.
Damage
The airplane sustained substantial damage to the wings and fuselage.
Reported Wind Conditions
The pilot reported wind conditions at the time of the accident to be from the east at 20 knots, with peak gusts to 40 knots.