On May 29, 2004, a Cessna 170B (registration N2514D) was involved in an aviation accident near Anchorage, AK. 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.