No fatalities

1 Jun 2024: CESSNA 170A (N5789C) — Willow, AK

Willow, AK, United States

On 1 Jun 2024, a CESSNA 170A (registration N5789C) was involved in an aviation accident near Willow, AK. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control during landing roll, resulting in a ground loop and substantial damage to the airplane. 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

On May 31, 2024, a Cessna 170A (N5789C) ground-looped after landing at Willow Airport, Alaska, resulting in substantial damage; the pilot was uninjured.

Accident Details

On May 31, 2024, at about 1900 Alaska daylight time, a Cessna 170A airplane, registration N5789C, sustained substantial damage in an accident at Willow Airport (UUO), Willow, Alaska. The pilot, who was the sole occupant, reported no injuries. The flight was conducted under Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 as a personal flight.

According to the pilot, the landing was a normal, coordinated three-point landing. The airplane touched down at the beginning of the runway, after which the pilot "fast taxied" with the tail airborne down the runway. As the airplane neared the taxiway, the pilot reduced the throttle, and the tail touched down normally. When the pilot applied the brakes, the airplane veered to the right. Despite attempts to correct with opposite rudder and brakes, the airplane ground-looped, causing the left wing and elevator to impact the ground.

Post-Accident Events

Following the accident, the pilot taxied the airplane from the runway to the transient parking area. The pilot reported that the rudder and brakes functioned normally during this taxi, with no issues controlling the airplane.

Examination Findings

A postaccident examination of the airplane was conducted. The master brake cylinder, calipers, and brake pads were all found to be in good repair and working condition. No hydraulic leaks were present in the brake system, and there was no rubbing of the brake pads onto the drum. The steering arm was observed to be bent, and the steering chain tension was taut. The leaf spring exhibited no anomalies.

Contributing factors

Directional control — Not attained/maintained