No fatalities

Crosswind Landing Results in Ground Loop and Gear Collapse

San Carlos, CA, United States

On August 3, 2013, a CESSNA 170B was involved in an aviation accident near San Carlos, CA. 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. 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

During a wheel landing with a right crosswind, the aircraft drifted right despite full rudder and brake inputs, leading to a ground loop, left gear collapse, and substantial wing damage.

Incident Overview

A pilot reported an accident during a wheel landing in crosswind conditions. The event occurred when the pilot attempted to land with an 8-knot crosswind from the right. The main landing gear initially touched down normally, and the airplane began its landing roll along the runway centerline.

Loss of Directional Control

Shortly after touchdown, the airplane started to drift to the right. In response, the pilot applied left rudder control and braking action. Despite using full control inputs, the pilot could not maintain directional control. The airplane subsequently ground looped.

Damage

The ground loop caused the left landing gear to collapse. Additionally, the wings sustained substantial damage during the event.

Pilot Report

The pilot reported no pre-impact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

Contributing factors

Directional control — Not attained/maintainedPilot

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 3 Aug 2013 CESSNA 170B accident near San Carlos, CA?

During a wheel landing with a right crosswind, the aircraft drifted right despite full rudder and brake inputs, leading to a ground loop, left gear collapse, and substantial wing damage.

Were there any fatalities in the 3 Aug 2013 CESSNA 170B accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 3 Aug 2013 involved a CESSNA 170B, at San Carlos, CA.

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.