No fatalities

Gusty Crosswind Causes Tailwheel Airplane to Ground Loop During Takeoff

Fairbanks, AK, United States

On September 20, 2011, a CESSNA 170B was involved in an aviation accident near Fairbanks, AK. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain control of the airplane while taking off with a gusting crosswind. 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 tailwheel airplane momentarily became airborne during takeoff in gusty crosswind conditions, then settled back with a left wing down attitude, resulting in a ground loop and substantial damage.

Accident Summary

A tailwheel-equipped airplane experienced a takeoff accident on a turf runway under gusty left crosswind conditions. According to the pilot, as the airplane accelerated, a gust of wind caused it to become briefly airborne. The airplane then settled back to the runway with a left wing down attitude.

Sequence of Events

During the landing back to the runway, the left main landing gear contacted brush located on the left side of the runway. The airplane subsequently ground looped to the left, during which the right wing and right horizontal stabilizer struck the runway surface. The impact caused substantial damage to the right wing, right horizontal stabilizer, and empennage.

Pilot Statement

The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical problems with the airplane. No further information regarding the airplane's registration, engine type, or pilot experience was provided in the source.

Contributing factors

Causes

Pilot

Other contributing factors

Directional control — Not attained/maintainedContributed to outcome

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 20 Sept 2011 CESSNA 170B accident near Fairbanks, AK?

A tailwheel airplane momentarily became airborne during takeoff in gusty crosswind conditions, then settled back with a left wing down attitude, resulting in a ground loop and substantial damage.

Were there any fatalities in the 20 Sept 2011 CESSNA 170B accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 20 Sept 2011 involved a CESSNA 170B, at Fairbanks, AK.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's failure to maintain control of the airplane while taking off with a gusting crosswind.