N8081A

On September 22, 1993, about 1430 hours eastern daylight time, N8081A, a Cessna 170B, was substantially damaged during landing at the Eastern West Virginia Regional Airport in Martinsburg, West Virginia. The pilot, the sole occupant, was not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and a flight plan was not filed. The personal flight originated from Dulles International Airport, Washington, D.C., about 1350 hours, and was conducted under 14 CFR 91. The airplane was being operated by Armel Aviation, Ltd., Washington, D.C.

The pilot stated that after touching down of runway 26 on all three landing gear, the right wing suddenly began to lift up. The pilot attempted to correct with right aileron and right rudder, but to no avail. The left wing contacted the ground, the airplane groundlooped to the left, and the right main landing gear collapsed. The right wing impacted the ground and the airplane came to rest off the left edge of the runway. No mechanical malfunctions were reported.

The reported wind conditions at the airport about the time of the accident were 360 degrees at five knots.

According to an FAA aviation safety inspector, the right main landing gear was separated and the right wing sustained substantial damage. An examination did not reveal evidence of any mechanical deficiencies.