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Beach Landing Accident Damages Left Wing and Elevator (N2551D)

Ninilchick, AK, US

On June 8, 2005, a Cessna 170B (registration N2551D) was involved in an aviation accident near Ninilchick, AK. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain control of the airplane during the landing roll on a beach, which resulted in an on-ground collision with terrain. A factor associated with the accident is a tailwind. 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 beach landing, a tailwind caused the tail to veer left, striking the left wing and elevator against the ground, resulting in damage to the wing spar, skin panels, and elevator balance weight.

Accident Details

A private certificated pilot conducted a landing toward the south on a beach. During the landing roll, the pilot reported that a tailwind pushed the tail of the airplane to the left. As a result, the outboard end of the left wing and the outboard end of the left elevator struck the ground.

Damage Sustained

The impact sheered off the air valve stem of the left main wheel tundra tire, causing the left main tire to deflate. According to the pilot, the airplane sustained damage to the leading edge of the left wing, the outboard portion of the wing spar, several wing skin panels, and the balance weight of the left elevator.

Pilot Report

The pilot provided information regarding the occurrence, indicating the sequence of events and the damage observed. No further details about the aircraft, pilot, or conditions were specified in the source material.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 8 Jun 2005 Cessna 170B accident near Ninilchick, AK?

During a beach landing, a tailwind caused the tail to veer left, striking the left wing and elevator against the ground, resulting in damage to the wing spar, skin panels, and elevator balance weight.

Were there any fatalities in the 8 Jun 2005 Cessna 170B accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 8 Jun 2005 involved a Cessna 170B, registration N2551D, at Ninilchick, AK.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's failure to maintain control of the airplane during the landing roll on a beach, which resulted in an on-ground collision with terrain. A factor associated with the accident is a tailwind.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20050613X00755. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.