# NTSB ANC86LA091: Cessna 170A, N9033A, Tyonek, AK, June 27, 1986

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: June 27, 1986, 15:00 local (23:00 UTC)
- Place: Tyonek, AK
- Coordinates: 61.08049, -151.16014 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=61.0805&lon=-151.1601&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Landing](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/550) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 3 uninjured
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB office: Alaska Regional Office
- NTSB case key (mKey): 4687
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=ANC86LA091
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/4687/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC86LA091

## Sequence of events

In NTSB's coding before 2008 (https://www.ntsb.gov/GILS/Documents/codman.pdf).

- Loss of control - on ground/water, landing - roll
  - unsuitable terrain or takeoff/landing/taxi area - selected, pilot in command (cause)
  - ground loop/swerve - uncontrolled, pilot in command (cause)
  - terrain condition - loose gravel/sandy (contributing factor)

## Analysis

THE RELATIVELY INEXPERIENCED PRIVATE PILOT ATTEMPTED TO LAND HIS AIRPLANE ON A GRAVEL BEACH AS THE TIDE WAS RECEDING. HE FAILED TO MAINTAIN DIRECTIONAL CONTROL AND THE AIRPLANE WAS SUBSTANTIALLY DAMAGED IN THE ENSUING GROUND LOOP.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N9033A](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N9033A), registered now, S/N 18788, built 1949 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: CESSNA 170A
- Registry model: [Cessna 170A](https://openairdocs.org/model/cessna-170a) (registry code 2072304) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Continental C145 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/continental-c145-series) (registry code 17012, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 18788
- Airframe hours: 3922
- Engines: CONTINENTAL C-145-2 145 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Bonnie J. Nichols
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, July 23, 1985, 22 hours before
- Departed: SXQ, SOLDOTNA, AK
- Destination: CHUITNA RIVER, AK

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 31; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: left; flight hours: 127 total, 14 in this make and model, 69 as pilot in command, 13 in the last 90 days, 1 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 180° at 2 knots
- Visibility: 50 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 64 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg

## FAA reports on this event (1)

The FAA's own accident and incident reports, matched to the aircraft by N-number and date (OpenAirDocs).

- [Accident 19860627028479A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19860627028479A), Jun 27, 1986: Cessna 170A, Tyonek, AK, Substantial damage. The pilot attempted to land on a beach. The aircraft ground looped in soft sand.

From the NTSB's public API. Aircraft are matched to registry aircraft by N-number and event date, checked against the reported serial number, make and model; the registry's history has gaps, so older matches can be wrong. Compare the reported make and model.

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