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Private Pilot Reports Landing Gear Collapse After Diverted Attention to Geese

Kenai, AK, United States

On May 12, 2009, a CESSNA 170B operated by DALE PAUL D was involved in an aviation accident near Kenai, AK. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the landing roll, which resulted in a ground-loop. A factor contributing to the accident was the pilot's diverted attention during the landing. This summary draws on records from NTSB; 12 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

SourcesNTSBPrimary reportUpdated 2026-08-03Data APIEditorial standards

A private pilot reported that during landing, attention diverted by geese led to a right turn, left main landing gear collapse, and left wing striking the ground. Substantial damage occurred to the landing gear box and left wing.

Accident Details

A private pilot was returning to an airport after a personal local flight conducted under Title 14, CFR Part 91. While on final approach to land, the pilot was advised by the tower of a flock of geese that had taken off from an adjacent waterway.

Pilot Account

During touchdown, a pilot waiting to take off reported sighting the geese, and the pilot's attention was diverted for a moment. In that moment, the airplane started a turn to the right. The pilot indicated that he applied left rudder and power, but could not stop the turn. The pilot stated that the left main landing gear collapsed during the turn, and the left wing struck the ground. He noted that there were no known mechanical problems with the airplane prior to the accident.

Damage

The airplane sustained substantial damage to the landing gear box and the left wing as a result of the accident.

Contributing factors

Directional control — Not attained/maintainedPilot

Related events

Same aircraft family

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 12 May 2009 CESSNA 170B accident near Kenai, AK?

A private pilot reported that during landing, attention diverted by geese led to a right turn, left main landing gear collapse, and left wing striking the ground. Substantial damage occurred to the landing gear box and left wing.

Were there any fatalities in the 12 May 2009 CESSNA 170B accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 12 May 2009 involved a CESSNA 170B, operated by DALE PAUL D, at Kenai, AK.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the landing roll, which resulted in a ground-loop. A factor contributing to the accident was the pilot's diverted attention during the landing.

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