On May 14, 2005, a Cessna 170B (registration N4606C) operated by Donnald S. Bingman was involved in an aviation accident near Dillingham, AK. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's inadequate compensation for wind conditions, which resulted in a loss of control during the landing roll. Factors associated with the accident are a crosswind, and an inadvertent ground loop/swerve. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A private pilot experienced a ground loop and runway excursion in a tundra tire and tailwheel-equipped airplane during an 8-knot crosswind landing, resulting in structural damage to the left wing and fuselage.
Incident Details
A private pilot was landing a tundra tire and tailwheel-equipped airplane on a paved runway. The wind was from 80 degrees right at 8 knots, creating a direct crosswind component. According to the pilot, the airplane bounced slightly during touchdown and then settled onto the right main tire. Subsequently, the aircraft veered to the left. The pilot attempted to correct by steering to the right, but the airplane departed the runway and ground-looped to the right.
Damage
The accident caused structural damage to the left wing and fuselage. The pilot noted that there were no preaccident mechanical issues with the airplane.
Pilot Report
The pilot stated that the airplane bounced slightly before settling on the right main tire, leading to the veer and subsequent ground loop. No other factors were mentioned.