On March 31, 2006, a Cessna 170B (registration N2359J) was involved in an aviation accident near Benton, KS. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to properly latch the cowling. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A pilot reported that after departure, the cowling opened, prompting a return to the airport. During the landing roll, the pilot lost control, resulting in a ground loop and runway departure. The right wing sustained substantial damage. The pilot stated he failed to properly latch the cowling.
Incident Overview
Shortly after departure, the cowling of the airplane opened. The pilot elected to return to the airport for landing. During the landing roll, the pilot lost control of the aircraft, which ground looped and departed the runway to the left. The right wing sustained substantial damage as a result of the ground loop and runway excursion.
Pilot Actions
The pilot stated that after the cowling opened, he decided to return to the airport. He did not report any additional issues during the approach or landing. The loss of control occurred during the landing roll, and the airplane subsequently ground looped and exited the runway.
Post-Accident Examination
A post-accident examination of the airframe and airplane systems revealed no anomalies. The pilot stated that he did not properly latch the cowling prior to departure.
Probable cause
The pilot's failure to properly latch the cowling.