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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

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August 13, 2003 · Cessna 170B · N2987D

La Belle, FL

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
August 13, 2003
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
La Belle, FL
Aircraft
Cessna 170B
Tail Number
N2987D
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
MIA03CA165

The student pilot stated that he aligned on the runway and he advanced power to begin the takeoff roll, and was well in control of the airplane. Once ground speed increased, he lifted the tail of the airplane. As the tail section lifted the aircraft veered to the left. He tried to correct for the left deviation but was unsuccessful and elected to abort the takeoff. The airplane then ground looped to the right incurring damage to the right wing and right elevator before coming to a complete stop. He also mentioned, he experienced no mechanical malfunction or failures with the aircraft systems.

NTSB Probable Cause

The failure of the pilot to maintain directional control during takeoff resulting in ground looping and substantial damage.

Full Narrative

On August 13, 2003, about 1900 eastern daylight time, a Cessna 170B, N2987D, registered to and operated by an individual, ground looped on takeoff at La Belle Municipal Airport, La Belle, Florida. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time, and no flight plan was filed. The instructional flight was conducted under 14 CFR Part 91. The airplane incurred substantial damage and the student pilot was not injured. The flight was originating at the time. The student pilot stated that he aligned on the runway and he advanced power to begin the takeoff roll, and was well in control of the airplane. Once ground speed increased, he lifted the tail of the airplane. As the tail section lifted the aircraft veered to the left. He tried to correct for the left deviation but was unsuccessful and elected to abort the takeoff. The airplane then ground looped to the right incurring damage to the right wing and right elevator before coming to a complete stop. He also mentioned, he experienced no mechanical malfunction or failures with the aircraft systems.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time19:00 EDT
Nearest AirportLa Belle Municipal (1nm)
Runway14
Runway Length3410 ft
Runway Width50 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftCessna 170B
Tail NumberN2987D
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsTeledyne Continental · O-300 SER · Reciprocating · 145
Seats4

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 46 · Third Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind230° @ 7 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Altimeter30.09 inHg
Weather SourcePILO

Appendix: Source Data