Casualties unknown

2003-08-18: Cessna 170B (N8016A) — Sparrevohn, AK

Sparrevohn, AK, US

On August 18, 2003, a Cessna 170B (registration N8016A) was involved in an aviation accident near Sparrevohn, AK. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's inadequate compensation for a crosswind, which resulted in collapse of the left main landing gear during the takeoff roll. A factor was the crosswind. 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

A pilot reported that during takeoff on a 2,100-foot tundra strip with a dogleg, the left main landing gear separated after a loud pop, causing the aircraft to slide about 100 feet.

Incident Details

According to the pilot, the takeoff area was 2,100 feet long, oriented east/west, and consisted of firm tundra with some rougher areas near the midpoint. The area also featured a dogleg that required a right-hand directional correction of about 15 feet near the midpoint.

Pilot's Report

The pilot planned to take off heading east, and the wind was from the south at 5 to 7 mph. He reported that the airplane accelerated normally. As it approached the midpoint of the takeoff area, the airplane wanted to drift to the left. The pilot added right rudder to execute the dogleg turn and to counteract the drift. At that moment, he heard a loud pop from the fuselage and aborted the takeoff.

Outcome

The left main landing gear separated from the fuselage, and the airplane slid approximately 100 feet before coming to a stop. The pilot stated that the accident could have been prevented by the "use of more right aileron and less rudder to correct for right-hand crosswind."

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20030910X01511. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.