On October 13, 2002, a Cessna 170B (registration N170LB) was involved in an aviation accident near Watkinsville, GA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's inadvertent collision with an ant hill during takeoff that resulted in a ground loop and the subsequent collision collision with the ground. A factor was unsuitable terrain. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A pilot landing to assist another aircraft took off and hit an ant hill, damaging the right main landing gear and left wing, leading to loss of directional control.
Accident Details
A Cessna 170B pilot landed in a pasture to assist another pilot who had landed due to an airplane problem. Unable to provide assistance, the pilot decided to take off with the intention of seeking help.
Sequence of Events
During the takeoff roll, the right main landing gear collided with an ant hill. The pilot reported that the collision damaged the right main landing gear, causing a loss of directional control. The subsequent gyrations of the airplane also damaged the left wing assembly.
Pilot Report
The pilot stated that there were no mechanical problems with the airplane at the time of the accident.