Casualties unknown

2003-08-31: Cessna C-170 (N11576) — James Baker — Kennebunkport, ME

Kennebunkport, ME, US

On August 31, 2003, a Cessna C-170 (registration N11576) operated by James Baker was involved in an aviation accident near Kennebunkport, ME. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to obtain the proper touchdown point, which resulted in the abrupt maneuver and subsequent failure of the landing gear. 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 who had preflighted the airport the day before landed halfway down a 1,000-foot turf runway and made a hard left turn to avoid obstacles, causing the right main landing gear to fail.

Accident Overview

A pilot experienced a landing gear failure after executing a hard turn during a landing roll on a turf runway. The pilot had visited the airport the day before the accident, walking the runway and noting obstacles at both ends. On the morning of the accident, the pilot flew to the airport and observed that a 4-6 knot wind favored Runway 20.

Landing and Maneuver

During the landing, the airplane touched down approximately halfway down the 1,000-foot-long, 200-foot-wide turf runway. Realizing that the remaining runway length was insufficient to stop before reaching the end, the pilot made a hard left turn. During this turn, the right main landing gear failed.

Runway Environment

Runway 20 was a turf runway with 35-foot trees located at both ends. Additionally, 25-foot power lines were situated at the end of Runway 20. The pilot reported that there were no mechanical deficiencies with the airplane or engine. Weather conditions at a nearby airport included calm winds.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20040525X00661. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.