On August 1, 2002, a Cessna 170B (registration N2233D) was involved in an aviation accident near St. Johns, AZ. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: the pilot's selection of the wrong runway for the existing crosswind condition and his subsequent inadequate compensation for the winds, which led to a failure to maintain directional control and a ground loop. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
The pilot attempted a three-point landing in a crosswind on runway 14, resulting in a ground loop, runway excursion, and collision with a fence. The airplane nosed over and came to rest inverted.
Accident Details
The pilot attempted to make a three-point touchdown with a known crosswind. After touchdown on runway 14, the airplane began a ground loop and veered to the right. The pilot applied left brake and rudder in an attempt to regain control, but the airplane ran off the east side of the runway.
Aborted Landing Attempt
The pilot decided to abort the landing and applied full power to get the airplane airborne and under control. However, the left wingtip contacted the ground. The airplane then struck an airport boundary fence, impacted the ground, nosed over, and came to rest inverted.
Wind Conditions
The automated surface observation system (ASOS) reported winds from 240 degrees at 11 knots about 20 minutes after the accident. Runway 21 was available at the airport for landing.