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May 12, 2018 · Cessna 170 B · N2485D

Zelienople, PA

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
May 12, 2018
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Zelienople, PA
Aircraft
Cessna 170 B (1952)
Tail Number
N2485D
Operator
Draggin Tail Pilots
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
GAA18CA278

According to the pilot in the tailwheel-equipped airplane, during the landing roll with the tailwheel on the ground, the airplane may have encountered a wind gust. The airplane exited the runway to the left, and the left main landing gear struck a taxiway sign. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the left main landing gear attachment points, the lower fuselage longeron, and the elevator. The pilot reported that the wind at the airport about the time of the accident was variable at 4 knots and that skies were clear. The nearest METAR to the accident site, located 11 miles to the west, reported that, about the time of the accident, the wind was from 270° at 8 knots with lightning in the distance to the northwest. The pilot landed the airplane on runway 35. The pilot reported that the accident could have been prevented if he had more quickly applied corrective actions, including increasing right rudder pedal pressure, using more differential braking, and increasing right aileron input. The pilot reported that there were no mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

NTSB Probable Cause

Aircraft-Aircraft oper/perf/capability-Performance/control parameters-Directional control-Not attained/maintained - C

Full Narrative

According to the pilot in the tailwheel-equipped airplane, during the landing roll with the tailwheel on the ground, the airplane may have encountered a wind gust. The airplane exited the runway to the left, and the left main landing gear struck a taxiway sign. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the left main landing gear attachment points, the lower fuselage longeron, and the elevator. The pilot reported that the wind at the accident airport about the time of the accident was variable at 4 knots and skies were clear. The METAR nearest the accident site was located 11 miles to the west and reported that the wind about the time of the accident was from 270° at 8 knots, with lightning in the distance to the northwest. The pilot landed to runway 35. Per the National Transportation Safety Board, Pilot Aircraft Accident Report, in the Recommendation section, the pilot asserted that the accident could have been prevented if he had more quickly applied corrective actions including increased right rudder pedal pressure, more differential braking, and increased right aileron input. The pilot reported that there were no mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time11:00 EDT
Nearest AirportZelienople Muni (0nm SE)
Runway35
Runway Length4933 ft
Runway Width75 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftCessna 170 B
Tail NumberN2485D
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorDraggin Tail Pilots
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsContinental · C145 · Reciprocating · 145
Seats4

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 65 · Third Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind270° @ 8 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point55
Altimeter30.02 inHg
Observation Time14:47
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data