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NTSB Report

July 27, 2017 · Cessna 170 A · N5596C

San Andreas, CA

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
July 27, 2017
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
San Andreas, CA
Aircraft
Cessna 170 A (1950)
Tail Number
N5596C
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
GAA17CA445

The pilot of the tailwheel-equipped airplane reported that he landed on the main wheels, and while waiting for the tailwheel to drop, the "tailwheel jammed." He added that, when the tailwheel touched down, the airplane was difficult to control and veered to the left. He corrected for the veer, but the airplane veered to the right. He then conducted a go-around; however, once airborne, the airplane "did not appear to be producing proper power." He then aborted the go-around and opted to land on the remaining runway. About 25 ft above the runway, he set the airplane up for a wheel landing and descended. When the airplane was about 5 to 10 ft above the runway, the airplane "abruptly" sank and landed hard, and the main landing gear collapsed. Subsequently, the airplane came to rest nose down on the runway. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the fuselage. During a telephone interview, the pilot reported that he believed the tailwheel had jammed before touchdown and that he had previously redesigned and altered the tailwheel. Further, the airplane produced insufficient power during the go-around. He reported that the tailwheel was mechanically "okay" when examined after the accident. Additionally, an airframe and powerplants mechanic reported that he examined the tailwheel assembly after the accident and found no defects and no binding. The pilot reported that the weather at the accident airport, about the time of the accident, was wind from 320° at 10 knots, gusting to 12 knots. The pilot landed on runway 31. Photographs taken at the accident site showed torsional twisting of the propeller, consistent with the engine producing power at the time of impact. The National Transportation Safety Board did not examine the engine.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot’s improper landing flare during an aborted go-around in gusting wind conditions, which resulted in a hard landing.

Full Narrative

The pilot of the tailwheel-equipped airplane reported that, he landed on the main wheels, and while waiting for the tailwheel to drop, the "tailwheel jammed." He added, that when the tailwheel touched down, the airplane was difficult to control, and veered to the left. He corrected for the veer, but the airplane veered to the right. He then did a go-around, however, once airborne the airplane "did not appear to be producing proper power." He then aborted the go-around, and opted to land on the remaining runway. About 25 ft. above the runway, he set the airplane up for a wheel landing and descended. When the airplane was about 5-10 ft. above the runway, the airplane "abruptly" sank, landed hard and collapsed the main landing gear. Subsequently, the airplane came to rest nose down on the runway. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the fuselage. During a telephone interview, the pilot reported that he believed the tailwheel had jammed prior to touchdown, and that he had previously re-designed and altered the tailwheel. Further, the airplane produced insufficient power during the go-around. He reported that, the tailwheel was mechanically "okay" when inspected after the accident. Additionally, an airframe and powerplant mechanic reported that he inspected the tailwheel assembly after the accident, and found no defects and no binding. The pilot reported the weather at the accident airport, about the time of the accident to be, wind from 320° at 10 knots, gusting to 12 knots. The pilot landed on runway 31. Photographs taken at the accident site showed torsional twisting of the propeller, consistent with the engine producing power at the time of impact. The National Transportation Safety Board did not examine the engine.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time13:30 PDT
Nearest AirportCalaveras Co-Maury Rasmussen F (0nm NNW)
Runway31
Runway Length3603 ft
Runway Width60 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftCessna 170 A
Tail NumberN5596C
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-360-A1A · Reciprocating · 180
Seats4

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 78 · Third Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind300° @ 6 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point59
Altimeter29.89 inHg
Observation Time20:55
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data