No fatalities

Airplane Ground Loops After Veering Off Runway During Landing Roll (N2915D)

Auburn, CA, US

On June 1, 2004, a Cessna 170B (registration N2915D) was involved in an aviation accident near Auburn, CA. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: the pilot's failure to maintain directional control of the airplane, which resulted in an inadvertent ground loop. 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 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

During a three-point landing attempt, the airplane veered right off the runway, contacted a light fixture, and ground looped, damaging the left elevator, wing tip, and landing gear. No preimpact mechanical issues were reported.

Accident Overview

The airplane veered off the runway and ground looped during the landing roll while the pilot was attempting to execute a three-point landing.

Landing and Veer

The airplane touched down near the approach end of the runway directly over the runway centerline. During the transition to the landing roll, the airplane began to veer from the centerline, following the natural contours and incline of the runway. The airplane continued to veer to the right and departed the runway surface.

Ground Loop and Damage

The right main landing gear contacted a runway light fixture and the airplane ground looped. During the ground loop, the left main landing gear impacted an embankment, resulting in the left wing contacting the ground. The airplane incurred damage to the left elevator, wing tip, and landing gear.

Pilot Report

The pilot said there were no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1 Jun 2004 Cessna 170B accident near Auburn, CA?

During a three-point landing attempt, the airplane veered right off the runway, contacted a light fixture, and ground looped, damaging the left elevator, wing tip, and landing gear. No preimpact mechanical issues were reported.

Were there any fatalities in the 1 Jun 2004 Cessna 170B accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1 Jun 2004 involved a Cessna 170B, registration N2915D, at Auburn, CA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

the pilot's failure to maintain directional control of the airplane, which resulted in an inadvertent ground loop.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20040708X00930. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.