Accident Overview
On January 6, 2018, at approximately 1100 central standard time, a Cessna 170A airplane, registration N9972A, sustained substantial damage during a takeoff roll at an airport near Ponca City, Oklahoma. The pilot and three passengers were not injured. The flight was operated by a private individual under Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 as a personal flight.
Pilot Reported Sequence
The pilot reported that prior to takeoff, he observed the windsock indicating a direct crosswind. He initiated the takeoff roll on runway 35. During the takeoff, the airplane began to veer left. The pilot applied rudder to correct the left turn, but the airplane continued to veer left. As the airplane approached the side of the runway, the pilot reduced power. After departing the runway surface, the right main landing gear separated from the airplane. The airplane came to rest on the grass adjacent to the runway.
Damage and Examination
Substantial damage was documented to the fuselage and right wing spar. The Federal Aviation Administration photographed the landing gear, and the images were examined by the NTSB Materials Laboratory. The examination revealed that the fracture surfaces of the landing gear were consistent with an initiating fatigue fracture that propagated toward an overstress fracture.
Wind Conditions and Pilot Experience
Wind conditions at the time of the accident were reported from 100° at 10 knots. The pilot reported having over 100 hours of experience in tailwheel-equipped airplanes.