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Casualties unknown

Pilot Ground Loops Airplane After Crosswind Touchdown, Collides with Fence (N2233D)

St. Johns, AZ, US

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.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

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.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1 Aug 2002 Cessna 170B accident near St. Johns, AZ?

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.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1 Aug 2002 involved a Cessna 170B, registration N2233D, at St. Johns, AZ.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

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.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20020806X01310. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.