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Aircraft Ground Loops After Landing on Dry Runway (N3470C)

Ocala, FL, US

On April 8, 2002, a Cessna 170B (registration N3470C) was involved in an aviation accident near Ocala, FL. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain directional control on landing roll, resulting in a loss of control/ground loop. 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 pilot reported that after a normal landing on runway 36, the aircraft ground looped to the right. The pilot applied full left rudder and right aileron but could not correct. No mechanical issues were reported.

Landing and Ground Loop

According to the pilot, the approach to land was normal. The airplane touched down on the centerline of runway 36, approximately 2,000 feet down the 6,096-foot-long runway. Immediately upon touchdown, the airplane departed the runway surface to the right and ground looped.

Pilot Actions

The pilot attempted to correct the directional control problem by adding full left rudder and full right aileron. Despite these inputs, the pilot was unable to stop the ground loop.

Aircraft and Conditions

The pilot reported no mechanical malfunctions or system failures with the airplane. The reported winds at the time of the accident were light and variable. The surface condition of the runway was dry.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 8 Apr 2002 Cessna 170B accident near Ocala, FL?

A pilot reported that after a normal landing on runway 36, the aircraft ground looped to the right. The pilot applied full left rudder and right aileron but could not correct. No mechanical issues were reported.

Were there any fatalities in the 8 Apr 2002 Cessna 170B accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 8 Apr 2002 involved a Cessna 170B, registration N3470C, at Ocala, FL.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's failure to maintain directional control on landing roll, resulting in a loss of control/ground loop.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20020419X00543. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.