Casualties unknown

2007-07-28: Cessna 170 B (N3446C) — Arco, ID

Arco, ID, US

On July 28, 2007, a Cessna 170 B (registration N3446C) was involved in an aviation accident near Arco, ID. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during takeoff. The crosswind condition was a factor. 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 1781061362Data APIEditorial standards

During takeoff on runway 24, the aircraft became airborne prematurely, drifted left, flew over a depression, struck a fence, and nosed over after an intentional ground loop.

Accident Sequence

The pilot initiated the takeoff roll on runway 24. The wind was estimated to be from 315 degrees at 8-10 knots. After sufficient acceleration, the pilot moved the yoke forward to raise the tailwheel off the ground. As the tail began to rise, the aircraft immediately became airborne and "aggressively drifted" to the left. The pilot was unable to correct for the deviation, and the aircraft flew towards the south, away from the runway heading.

Terrain Encounter and Impact

The aircraft then flew over a 10-foot deep depression in the ground and descended. At the end of the depression, where the terrain rose back up to ground level, the aircraft impacted a barbed wire fence. The pilot was able to set the aircraft down in a small clearing past the fence.

Ground Loop and Nose Over

Due to a sloped area ahead, the pilot intentionally ground looped the aircraft to the right. The aircraft nosed over, coming to rest inverted.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20070930X01478. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.