# NTSB ANC91LA088: Cessna 170B, N2765D, Cordova, AK, July 2, 1991

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: July 2, 1991, 13:35 local (21:35 UTC)
- Place: Cordova, AK
- Coordinates: 60.789554, -145.610549 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=60.7896&lon=-145.6105&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Takeoff](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/300) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report February 8, 1993
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB office: Alaska Regional Office
- NTSB case key (mKey): 5571
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=ANC91LA088
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/5571/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC91LA088

## Probable cause

THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO MAINTAIN DIRECTIONAL CONTROL DURING THE TAKEOFF GROUND RUN AND THE INTENTIONAL GROUND LOOP BY THE PILOT. THE CROSSWIND WAS A FACTOR IN THE ACCIDENT.

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of control - on ground/water, takeoff - roll/run
  - weather condition - crosswind (contributing factor)
  - directional control - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
- Abrupt maneuver, takeoff - roll/run
  - ground loop/swerve - intentional, pilot in command (cause)
  - landing gear,main gear - overload

## Analysis

THE PILOT STATED THAT HE ENCOUNTERED A CROSSWIND THAT CAUSED THE AIRPLANE TO BE BLOWN OFF THE LEFT SIDE OF THE RUNWAY DURING THE TAKEOFF GROUND RUN. HE THEN INTENTIONALLY GROUND LOOPED THE AIRPLANE TO AVOID RUNNING INTO A POND OF WATER. THE RIGHT MAIN LANDING GEAR THEN COLLAPSED, CAUSING THE RIGHT WING TO HIT THE GROUND.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N2765D](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N2765D-2007-03-28), registration cancelled 2007-03-28, S/N 25307, built 1952 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: CESSNA 170B
- Registry model: [Cessna 170B](https://openairdocs.org/model/cessna-170b) (registry code 2072306) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Continental C145 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/continental-c145-series) (registry code 17012, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 25307
- Airframe hours: 4849
- Engines: CONTINENTAL C-145-2 145 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Neal A. Oppen
- Registered owner: Oppen Enterprises, Inc.
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Utility; Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: 100 hour, August 1, 1990, 97 hours before
- Destination: CYXY, WHITE HORSE
- Flight plan: VFR
- Airport: CDV, Merle K. Smith Memorial, runway 27, 7,500 × 150 ft, asphalt

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 39; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, unknown; seat: left; flight hours: 344 total, 93 in this make and model, 24 in the last 90 days, 17 in the last 30 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 220° at 8 knots
- Visibility: 30 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 66 °F, dew point 52 °F
- Altimeter: 29.00 inHg
- Observed at: CDV, 1 nm away

## 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 19910702025609A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19910702025609A), Jul 2, 1991: Cessna 170B, Cordova, AK, Substantial damage. Lost control on crosswind takeoff. Veered off runway and intently ground looped to avoid pond.

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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