26 Mar 2017: CESSNA 170 A

26 Mar 2017: CESSNA 170 A — Unknown operator

No fatalities • Death Valley, CA, United States

Probable cause

The pilot’s improper compensation for crosswind conditions during the landing flare and his subsequent failure to maintain directional control during the landing.

— NTSB Determination

Accident narrative

The pilot of the tailwheel-equipped airplane reported that during landing on a backcountry dirt airstrip in a crosswind, the airplane touched down and bounced. He added that he attempted to maintain directional control, but a "[wind] gust weathervaned the aircraft nose left" and the right main landing gear wheel dug into the ground during the second touchdown. Subsequently, the airplane ground looped to the left and the right wing impacted the ground.

The airplane sustained substantial damage to the right wing.

The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

Contributing factors

  • cause Pilot
  • cause Directional control — Not attained/maintained
  • cause Response/compensation
  • cause Response/compensation
  • Contributed to outcome

Conditions

Weather
VMC, wind 310/06kt, vis 10sm

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