Casualties unknown

2003-03-29: Cessna 170A (N5577C) — Hobbs, NM

Hobbs, NM, US

On March 29, 2003, a Cessna 170A (registration N5577C) was involved in an aviation accident near Hobbs, NM. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: the pilot's failure to maintain aircraft directional control during takeoff roll. A factor was the runway light's cement foundation. 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 1781061362Data APIEditorial standards

During takeoff in variable wind, the pilot raised the tail wheel and the airplane veered left. Full brake application led to a nosedown and striking a runway light foundation, resulting in a nose-over.

Event Description

An airplane experienced a loss of directional control during takeoff, resulting in a collision with a runway light foundation and a subsequent nose-over. The pilot reported that the takeoff roll initially appeared normal. However, when the tail wheel was raised, the airplane veered to the left. Despite applying "a lot of rudder," the pilot was unable to correct the heading deviation.

As the airplane approached the edge of the runway, the pilot applied full brakes. This caused the airplane to nose down. Shortly thereafter, the airplane struck a concrete foundation of a runway light and nosed over. The wind at the time was reported as variable at 5 knots.

No further details regarding the aircraft type, registration, operator, location, or injuries were provided in the source. The investigation did not state a probable cause for the event.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20030403X00426. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.