On October 13, 2002, a Cessna 170B (registration N170LB) was involved in an aviation accident near Watkinsville, GA. No fatalities were reported. 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.
Frequently asked questions
What happened in the 13 Oct 2002 Cessna 170B accident near Watkinsville, GA?
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.
Were there any fatalities in the 13 Oct 2002 Cessna 170B accident?
No fatalities were recorded in this accident.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 13 Oct 2002 involved a Cessna 170B, registration N170LB, at Watkinsville, GA.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
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.
A SkyWalk Join't 3 paraglider crashed into the ground near Las Vizcachas, Chile, on September 1, 2024. The pilot and passenger sustained serious spinal…
PARAPENTE (ULTRALIVIANO NO MOTORIZADO)·2024-09-01DGAC Chile
A Cessna 172N struck electrical cables while on final approach to land at Aucó Aerodrome in Chile. The pilot was uninjured, but the aircraft sustained damage…
A Bombardier DHC-8-402 suffered a tail strike during landing at Puerto Williams on September 9, 2024. All 76 occupants were unharmed, but the aircraft…
A MYD JS-MD 3 glider veered off the runway and struck a wall at Vitacura Aerodrome on January 6, 2025. The pilot was uninjured, but the aircraft sustained…
A recreational paraglider flight in Puchuncaví, Chile, ended with the pilot sustaining serious injuries after a rapid descent and impact with a hillside on…
PARAPENTE (ULTRALIVIANO NO MOTORIZADO)·2025-03-29DGAC Chile
A Tecnam P2006T landed on its belly at an aerodrome in Poland after the crew failed to confirm landing gear deployment. The incident resulted in no injuries…