Summary
On October 19, 2009, a Cessna 170B (N2719D) was involved in an incident near London, OH. All 1 person aboard were uninjured. The aircraft sustained substantial damage.
The National Transportation Safety Board determined the probable cause of this incident to be: The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the takeoff roll.
The pilot stated that during the takeoff roll, “a strong wind gust from the left caused me to lose control and veer off the runway.” The airplane temporarily became airborne over the grass area adjacent to the runway. The pilot reduced engine power to idle. However, the airplane encountered a “hole” causing the left main landing gear to collapse. A post accident inspection revealed that the left elevator had struck a Precision Approach Path Indicator (PAPI) light. The left wing was also damaged. The pilot stated that there were no failures or malfunctions with the airplane prior to the accident. Recorded winds in the vicinity of the accident airport were from the south at 6 knots. However, southerly winds with gusts to 16 knots had been recorded prior to the accident.
This incident is documented in NTSB report CEN10CA024. AviatorDB cross-references NTSB investigation data with FAA registry records to provide comprehensive safety information for aircraft N2719D.
Accident Details
Probable Cause and Findings
The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the takeoff roll.
Aircraft Information
Registered Owner (Current)
Analysis
The pilot stated that during the takeoff roll, “a strong wind gust from the left caused me to lose control and veer off the runway.” The airplane temporarily became airborne over the grass area adjacent to the runway. The pilot reduced engine power to idle. However, the airplane encountered a “hole” causing the left main landing gear to collapse. A post accident inspection revealed that the left elevator had struck a Precision Approach Path Indicator (PAPI) light. The left wing was also damaged. The pilot stated that there were no failures or malfunctions with the airplane prior to the accident. Recorded winds in the vicinity of the accident airport were from the south at 6 knots. However, southerly winds with gusts to 16 knots had been recorded prior to the accident.
Data Source
Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# CEN10CA024