N3454C

On August 14, 1997, about 1625 Eastern Daylight Time, a Cessna 170B, N3454C, was substantially damaged during a landing at the Chautauqua County/Jamestown Airport (JHW), Jamestown, New York. The certificated private pilot and three passengers were not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the local flight. No flight plan was filed for the personal flight conducted under 14 CFR Part 91.

The pilot stated that during the landing to Runway 25, "...the aircraft began a turn to the right due to rear quartering tailwind. I lost control resulting in the aircraft to ground loop..." The pilot further stated that the wind was from 350 degrees at 6 knots, gusting to 15 knots. He was "...advised that landing aircraft were using Runway 25 [instead of Runway 31]." The airplane rotated approximately 180 degrees, and the left main landing gear collapsed into the fuselage. The airplane came to rest on the grass, off to the right side of the runway.

A Federal Aviation Administration Inspector examined the wreckage. He reported that the left main landing gear collapsed, the left wing strut was broken, and the front center spar was damaged. Flight control continuity was verified. No pre-impact mechanical malfunctions were found, nor did the pilot report any.

According to the JHW Automated Surface Observation System, at 1551, the winds were from 300 degrees at 7 knots.