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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

May 19, 1996 · Cessna 170A · N9131A

Wharton, TX

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
May 19, 1996
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (2 uninjured)
Location
Wharton, TX
Aircraft
Cessna 170A
Tail Number
N9131A
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
FTW96LA223

The pilot reported that, while landing on runway 14 at Wharton Municipal airport, Wharton, Texas, he 'lost control' of the airplane and it ground looped. Damage was sustained to the left wing, the engine mount, the left main landing gear attaching point, and left aileron.

NTSB Probable Cause

failure of the pilot to maintain directional control of the airplane during the landing, which resulted in an inadvertent ground swerve.

Full Narrative

On May 19, 1996, at 1300 central daylight time, a Cessna 170A, N9131A, registered to and operated by a private owner, sustained substantial damage during landing near Wharton, Texas. The private pilot and his passenger were not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the Title 14 CFR Part 91 personal flight, and a flight plan was not filed. The flight originated near Laporte, Texas. The pilot reported that, while landing on runway 14 at Wharton Municipal airport, Wharton, Texas, he "lost control" of the airplane and it ground looped. Damage was sustained to the left wing, the engine mount, the left main landing gear attaching point, and left aileron. The pilot notified the NTSB of the accident by telephone three days following the accident. Numerous attempts to obtain a completed NTSB form 6120.1/2 (Pilot/Operator Report) were unsuccessful.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time13:00 CDT
Nearest AirportWharton Municipal (0nm)
Runway14
Runway Length5002 ft
Runway Width75 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftCessna 170A
Tail NumberN9131A
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsContinental · C-145-2 · Reciprocating · 145
Seats4

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (2 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured2
Total2
Crew 1Age 52 · Third Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind160° @ 20 kt, gusting 25 kt
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point0 C / 0 C
Altimeter0
Weather SourcePILO

Appendix: Source Data