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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

November 28, 2002 · Cessna 170B · N4465B

Mobile, AZ

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
November 28, 2002
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (2 uninjured)
Location
Mobile, AZ
Aircraft
Cessna 170B
Tail Number
N4465B
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
LAX03LA042

The airplane ground looped and nosed over while the pilot was performing touch-and-go practice takeoffs and landings at an abandoned gravel airstrip. While on approach, the pilot configured the airplane in a crab to the right, in an effort to counteract the right-quartering crosswind. On final approach, about 15 feet above ground level, the crosswind diminished. The airplane touched down on the runway surface while still in the right crab, with the right main landing gear making contact first. The airplane veered to the left, off the edge of the runway and the main landing gear impacted a dirt berm, resulting in a nose over. The airplane came to rest inverted. The pilot reported no pre impact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane.

NTSB Probable Cause

the pilot's improper compensation for the crosswind conditions at touchdown and failure to maintain proper alignment of the tail wheel equipped airplane during landing, which resulted in a ground loop. The crosswind was a contributory factor.

Full Narrative

On November 28, 2002, about 0830 mountain standard time, a Cessna 170B, N4465B, ground looped and nosed over while performing touch-and-go practice takeoffs and landings at an abandoned gravel airstrip near Mobile, Arizona. The private pilot was operating the airplane the under the provisions of 14 CFR Part 91. Neither the pilot nor passenger was injured; the airplane sustained substantial damage. The flight originated from the Phoenix Goodyear Airport, Goodyear, Arizona, about 0730 for the local area personal flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and a flight plan had not been filed. In a written statement, the pilot reported that he was attempting to perform touch-and-go practice takeoffs and landings in his tail-wheel equipped airplane. He completed one touch-and-go without mishap, and began an approach for another landing. While on approach, he configured the airplane in a crab to the right in an effort to counteract the right-quartering crosswind. On final approach, about 15 feet above ground level, the crosswind diminished. The airplane touched down on the runway surface while still in the right crab, with the right main landing gear making contact first. The tail moved to the right resulting in the airplane veering to the left, off the edge of the runway. The main landing gear impacted a dirt berm and nosed over. The airplane came to rest inverted. The airplane incurred damage to the wings, rudder, and landing gear box. The pilot noted that he had previously preformed 70 to 80 practice landings on this particular airstrip, without mishap. The pilot thought that the accident could have been prevented if he had made a go-around, or properly used the rudder during the crosswind operation. The pilot reported no pre impact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time08:30 MST
Nearest AirportPrivate Strip (0nm)
Runway Length2100 ft
Runway Width60 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftCessna 170B
Tail NumberN4465B
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsContinental · O-300-A · Reciprocating · 145
Seats4

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (2 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured2
Total2
Crew 1Age 50 · Third Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind70° @ 15 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point66 F / 34 C
Altimeter30.20 inHg
Observation Time16:56
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data