N543ARCESSNA 170B2012-09-14 NTSB Accident Report

Substantial
None

CESSNA 170BS/N: 20704

Summary

On September 14, 2012, a Cessna 170B (N543AR) was involved in an incident near Bethel, AK. All 2 people 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 takeoff, which resulted in a ground loop.

The private pilot reported that he was taking off on a gravel runway in a tailwheel-equipped airplane. He said that during the takeoff roll, as the tail of the airplane came off the ground, the airplane started drifting to the left, and he overcompensated with right rudder, resulting in a ground loop. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the left wing. The pilot indicated that there were no preaccident mechanical anomalies with the airplane.

This incident is documented in NTSB report ANC12CA105. AviatorDB cross-references NTSB investigation data with FAA registry records to provide comprehensive safety information for aircraft N543AR.

Accident Details

Date
Friday, September 14, 2012
NTSB Number
ANC12CA105
Location
Bethel, AK
Event ID
20120914X53348
Coordinates
60.789443, -161.426116
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
Highest Injury
None
Fatalities
0
Serious Injuries
0
Minor Injuries
0
Uninjured
2
Total Aboard
2

Probable Cause and Findings

The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during takeoff, which resulted in a ground loop.

Aircraft Information

Registration
Make
CESSNA
Serial Number
20704
Engine Type
Reciprocating
Model / ICAO
170BC170
Aircraft Type
Fixed Wing Single Engine
No. of Engines
1
Seats
4
FAA Model
170B

Registered Owner (Current)

Name
HOFFMAN ELLIOTT R
Address
PO BOX 1991
City
BETHEL
State / Zip Code
AK 99559-1991
Country
United States

Analysis

The private pilot reported that he was taking off on a gravel runway in a tailwheel-equipped airplane. He said that during the takeoff roll, as the tail of the airplane came off the ground, the airplane started drifting to the left, and he overcompensated with right rudder, resulting in a ground loop. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the left wing. The pilot indicated that there were no preaccident mechanical anomalies with the airplane.

Data Source

Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# ANC12CA105