Casualties unknown

Ground Loop During Landing Roll Results in Nose-Over (N5561C)

Hanford, CA, US

On April 6, 2006, a Cessna 170A (registration N5561C) was involved in an aviation accident near Hanford, CA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: the pilot's failure to maintain directional control. 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 wheel landing with no flaps, the airplane ground looped, veered left, swerved right after tail wheel contact, then departed the runway into a plowed field and nosed over when the landing gear hit soft mud.

Accident Overview

The airplane experienced a ground loop while on the landing roll. The pilot had recently purchased the airplane and had logged 11 hours of experience in tail wheel equipped aircraft. The landing was attempted as a wheel landing with no flaps deployed.

Sequence of Events

Upon touchdown, the airplane veered to the left of the runway centerline. The pilot then lowered the tail wheel. As the tail wheel contacted the runway surface, the airplane swerved to the right. To correct the veering, the pilot applied full left rudder input and brake pressure. At this point, the airplane was diverging approximately 30 degrees from the runway centerline. The pilot decided to abort the landing and initiated a go-around by applying full power. However, the airplane departed the right side of the runway and entered the soft mud of a recently plowed field. The landing gear encountered the soft mud, causing the airplane to nose over.

Aircraft and Pilot Information

The pilot had limited experience in tail wheel aircraft, with 11 hours in such airplanes. The airplane itself had just been purchased by the pilot. No further details about the aircraft or pilot were provided in the source.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 6 Apr 2006 Cessna 170A accident near Hanford, CA?

During a wheel landing with no flaps, the airplane ground looped, veered left, swerved right after tail wheel contact, then departed the runway into a plowed field and nosed over when the landing gear hit soft mud.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 6 Apr 2006 involved a Cessna 170A, registration N5561C, at Hanford, CA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

the pilot's failure to maintain directional control.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20060511X00554. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.