Casualties unknown

2000-09-16: Cessna 170B (N4590C) — Alturus, CA

Alturus, CA, US

On September 16, 2000, a Cessna 170B (registration N4590C) was involved in an aviation accident near Alturus, CA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's inadequate compensation for the wind, and his failure to maintain directional control of the airplane during landing. A factor was the faded improperly maintained windsock. 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 pilot circling an uncontrolled airport could not find the windsock. After a preflight briefing with no adverse weather, he landed with a crab angle for crosswind, causing a wing strike and loss of directional control.

Incident Overview

While circling an uncontrolled airport, the pilot was unable to locate a windsock to determine wind direction and speed. The pilot had obtained a preflight weather briefing from the FAA Red Bluff Flight Service Station, which noted no adverse weather conditions. However, no local area wind information was obtained before commencing the approach.

Approach and Landing

The pilot established a left-hand traffic pattern for runway 31. On final approach, he determined the presence of a left crosswind and established a crab angle to compensate. During touchdown, the left wing of the aircraft came up, causing the right wing to scrape against the runway surface. This resulted in a loss of directional control of the aircraft.

Contributing Factors

No contributing factors beyond the pilot's inability to locate the windsock and the subsequent crosswind conditions are detailed in the source. The preflight briefing did not indicate adverse weather, but specific local wind information was not sought.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001212X22015. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.