N9953A

Substantial
Minor

CESSNA 170S/N: 19313

Accident Details

Date
Sunday, March 26, 2017
NTSB Number
GAA17CA204
Location
Death Valley, CA
Event ID
20170327X60749
Coordinates
36.806667, -117.781669
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
Highest Injury
Minor
Fatalities
0
Serious Injuries
0
Minor Injuries
2
Uninjured
2
Total Aboard
4

Probable Cause and Findings

The pilot’s improper compensation for crosswind conditions during the landing flare and his subsequent failure to maintain directional control during the landing.

Aircraft Information

Registration
N9953A
Make
CESSNA
Serial Number
19313
Engine Type
Reciprocating
Year Built
1950
Model / ICAO
170C170
Aircraft Type
Fixed Wing Single Engine
No. of Engines
1

Registered Owner (Historical)

Name
HEINEMAN ZACHARY RUSSELL
Address
208 LEXINGTON ST
Status
Deregistered
City
SAN FRANCISCO
State / Zip Code
CA 94110-1731
Country
United States

Analysis

The pilot of the tailwheel-equipped airplane reported that during landing on a backcountry dirt airstrip in a crosswind, the airplane touched down and bounced. He added that he attempted to maintain directional control, but a "[wind] gust weathervaned the aircraft nose left" and the right main landing gear wheel dug into the ground during the second touchdown. Subsequently, the airplane ground looped to the left and the right wing impacted the ground.

The airplane sustained substantial damage to the right wing.

The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

Data Source

Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# GAA17CA204