No fatalities

Private Pilot Encounters Wind Gust During Go-Around, Leading to Wing Stall and Runway Excursion (N4659C)

Sand Point, AK, US

On June 4, 2001, a Cessna 170B (registration N4659C) was involved in an aviation accident near Sand Point, AK. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's inadequate compensation for wind conditions while on approach, and the inadvertent stall of the airplane while attempting a go-around. A factor associated with the accident was a crosswind. 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 private pilot on approach experienced a wind gust during a go-around, causing the right wing to stall and resulting in significant damage to the aircraft.

Incident Overview

A certificated private pilot reported to the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) that while on approach to land, he encountered challenging wind conditions. The pilot estimated the winds to be from 220 degrees at 20 knots with gusts up to 25 knots. To compensate, he applied a left crosswind correction.

Approach and Go-Around

As the airplane continued its approach, the pilot inadvertently allowed the aircraft to drift further down the runway than anticipated. Recognizing the deviation, he applied full engine power to initiate a go-around. During the go-around attempt, a very strong gust of wind pushed the airplane to the right. The pilot reported that the airplane's airspeed rapidly diminished as a result.

Stall and Ground Impact

The nose of the airplane continued to veer to the right, and the right wing stalled. The right wingtip and right main wheel subsequently struck the ground, causing the right main landing gear to collapse. The impact resulted in substantial damage to the fuselage and the right wing.

Damage Assessment

The airplane sustained substantial damage, specifically to the fuselage and right wing. The right main landing gear collapsed during the event. No further details regarding the aircraft type, registration, or injuries were provided in the pilot's report.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 4 Jun 2001 Cessna 170B accident near Sand Point, AK?

A private pilot on approach experienced a wind gust during a go-around, causing the right wing to stall and resulting in significant damage to the aircraft.

Were there any fatalities in the 4 Jun 2001 Cessna 170B accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 4 Jun 2001 involved a Cessna 170B, registration N4659C, at Sand Point, AK.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's inadequate compensation for wind conditions while on approach, and the inadvertent stall of the airplane while attempting a go-around. A factor associated with the accident was a crosswind.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20010611X01138. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.