On May 29, 2004, a Cessna 170B (registration N2514D) was involved in an aviation accident near Anchorage, AK. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the landing roll, which resulted in an inadvertent ground loop and subsequent structural damage to the airplane when it struck the runway. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A student pilot performing a wheel landing in a tailwheel airplane lost directional control, resulting in a ground loop and wing strike.
Accident Overview
During a private pilot practical test, the owner/student pilot was executing a wheel landing in a tailwheel-equipped airplane. As the tailwheel lowered to the runway surface, the airplane veered to the left. The pilot applied right brake and right aileron input in an attempt to correct the deviation. Subsequently, the airplane ground looped to the right and departed the runway on the right side.
Damage
The left wing struck the ground during the ground loop. The airplane sustained damage to the left wing spar, left aileron, and left elevator.
Environmental Conditions
The wind at the time was reported as variable at 3 knots.
Frequently asked questions
What happened in the 29 May 2004 Cessna 170B accident near Anchorage, AK?
A student pilot performing a wheel landing in a tailwheel airplane lost directional control, resulting in a ground loop and wing strike.
Were there any fatalities in the 29 May 2004 Cessna 170B accident?
No fatalities were recorded in this accident.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 29 May 2004 involved a Cessna 170B, registration N2514D, at Anchorage, AK.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the landing roll, which resulted in an inadvertent ground loop and subsequent structural damage to the airplane when it struck the runway.
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…