No fatalities

28 Jun 2017: CESSNA 170 B — SASQUATCH AIR LLC. — Alamogordo, NM

Alamogordo, NM, United States

On 28 Jun 2017, a CESSNA 170 B operated by SASQUATCH AIR LLC. was involved in an aviation accident near Alamogordo, NM. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: During touchdown, a wind gust turned the airplane's tail, resulting 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 1778583330Data APIEditorial standards

During the seventh landing of tailwheel instruction, a wind gust turned the airplane's tail, causing a ground loop. The left wing, engine mounts, and windscreen sustained substantial damage.

Accident Overview

The flight instructor in the tailwheel-equipped airplane reported that the pilot receiving instruction was obtaining a tailwheel endorsement. During the seventh landing of the day, after extending the downwind to accommodate preceding traffic, the airplane experienced a ground loop on the runway while performing a wheel landing. According to the instructor, as the tail was settling to the ground, a wind gust turned the airplane's tail, resulting in the ground loop.

Damage

The left wing, engine mounts, and windscreen sustained substantial damage. No preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures were reported that would have precluded normal operation.

Weather Conditions

An automated weather observation station at the accident airport recorded wind from 240° at 6 knots. The instructor reported that the landing was conducted on runway 22.

Flight Details

The flight was conducted under visual flight rules. The instructor and pilot receiving instruction were the sole occupants; no injuries were reported. The aircraft was a tailwheel-equipped airplane, and the flight was for the purpose of obtaining a tailwheel endorsement.

Probable cause

During touchdown, a wind gust turned the airplane's tail, resulting in a ground loop.

Contributing factors

Directional control — Not attained/maintainedStudent/instructed pilotInstructor/check pilot