No fatalities

Unpermitted Landing at Private Airstrip Ends in Collision

Ellsworth, ME, United States

On January 6, 2008, a Cessna 170A operated by Joshua H. Platner & Andrew N. Peterson was involved in an aviation accident near Ellsworth, ME. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during landing. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's selection of an unsuitable landing area. This summary draws on records from NTSB; 12 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

SourcesNTSBPrimary reportUpdated 2026-09-03Data APIEditorial standards

A pilot landed without permission at a private airstrip. During a crosswind approach to a snow-covered runway, the aircraft bounced, yawed, and turned right into a snow bank and building.

Incident Overview and Approach Conditions The pilot made the decision to land at a private airstrip without obtaining prior permission. The approach was conducted to a runway that was 1,200 feet long and covered in snow. Weather conditions included a slight crosswind originating from the left. ## Runway Contact and Loss of Control After the aircraft made initial contact with the runway surface near the right edge, it experienced multiple bounces. Following these bounces, the airplane began to yaw to the left. The aircraft then entered a right arcing turn, which led to a collision with a snow bank and a building.

Contributing factors

Causes

PilotCrosswind correction — Not attained/maintained

Other contributing factors

Snow/slush/ice coveredResidence/building

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 6 Jan 2008 Cessna 170A accident near Ellsworth, ME?

A pilot landed without permission at a private airstrip. During a crosswind approach to a snow-covered runway, the aircraft bounced, yawed, and turned right into a snow bank and building.

Were there any fatalities in the 6 Jan 2008 Cessna 170A accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 6 Jan 2008 involved a Cessna 170A, operated by Joshua H. Platner & Andrew N. Peterson, at Ellsworth, ME.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during landing. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's selection of an unsuitable landing area.