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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

NTSB Reports is an independent research and search tool for public aviation accident and incident records. It brings NTSB aviation reports, structured fields, docket files, extracted figures, photos, videos, and update history into one searchable interface.

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NTSB Report

July 13, 1995 · Cessna 170 · N3981V

Columbia, CA

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
July 13, 1995
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Columbia, CA
Aircraft
Cessna 170
Tail Number
N3981V
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
LAX95LA250

COLUMBIA AIRPORT HAS TWO RUNWAYS AVAILABLE FOR USE. RUNWAY 17-35 IS ASPHALT AND 4,670 FEET LONG, AND RUNWAY 29-11 IS A SHORTER TURF RUNWAY 2,000 FEET LONG. THE PILOT STATED THAT WHILE INBOUND TO THE AIRPORT HE ATTEMPTED TO CONTACT THE AIRPORT ON THE CTAF FOR AN AIRPORT ADVISORY; HOWEVER, COULD NOT GET A RESPONSE. HE THEN LISTENED TO THE AIRPORT WEATHER FROM THE AUTOMATED WEATHER OBSERVING SYSTEM (AWOS) AND LEARNED THAT THE WINDS WERE FROM 280 DEGREES AT 6 KNOTS. THE PILOT ELECTED TO LAND ON RUNWAY 17. THE PILOT SAID THAT DURING THE LANDING ROLL, A STRONG WIND GUST CAME FROM THE RIGHT REAR AND HE LOST DIRECTIONAL CONTROL. THE PILOT NOTED THAT HE COULD NOT REGAIN CONTROL, EVEN WITH FULL RUDDER AND BRAKE APPLICATION. THE AIRCRAFT GROUND LOOPED INTO A DITCH, DAMAGING THE FUSELAGE STRUCTURE AT THE LANDING GEAR ATTACH POINTS.

NTSB Probable Cause

the pilot's selection of the wrong runway for the existing wind conditions; his inadequate compensation for the resulting crosswind situation; and his failure to maintain directional control of the aircraft.

Full Narrative

On July 12, 1995, at 1830 hours Pacific daylight time, a Cessna 170, N3981V, ground looped following a bounced landing at Columbia, California. The aircraft was owned and operated by the pilot and was on a personal cross-country flight from Medford, Oregon, to Columbia. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time and no flight plan was filed. The aircraft sustained substantial damage. The certificated private pilot, the sole occupant, was not injured. The flight originated at Medford on the day of the accident at 1630. Columbia airport has two runways available for use. Runway 17-35 is asphalt and 4,670 feet long, and runway 29-11 is a shorter turf runway 2,000 feet long. The pilot stated that while inbound to the airport he attempted to contact the airport on the CTAF for an airport advisory; however, could not get a response. He then listened to the airport weather from the Automated Weather Observing System (AWOS) and learned that the winds were from 280 degrees at 6 knots. The pilot elected to land on runway 17. The pilot said that during the landing roll, a strong wind gust came from the right rear and he lost directional control. The pilot noted that he could not regain control, even with full rudder and brake application. The aircraft ground looped into a ditch, damaging the fuselage structure at the landing gear attach points.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time18:30 PDT
Nearest AirportCOLUMBIA (0nm)
Runway17
Runway Length4670 ft
Runway Width75 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftCessna 170
Tail NumberN3981V
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsContinental · C-145 · Reciprocating · 145
Seats4

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 57 · First Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind280° @ 6 kt
Visibility20 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point0 C
Altimeter0
Observation Time01:30
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data