# NTSB DEN89LA191: Cessna 170B, N2549D, Boulder, CO, August 5, 1989

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: August 5, 1989, 09:30 local (15:30 UTC)
- Place: Boulder, CO
- Coordinates: 39.969638, -105.210021 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=39.9696&lon=-105.2100&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Landing](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/550) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report August 2, 1990
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 17764
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=DEN89LA191
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/17764/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DEN89LA191

## Probable cause

THE STUDENT PILOT FAILED TO MAINTAIN DIRECTIONAL CONTROL DURING LANDING ROLL DUE TO IMPROPER USE OF THE FLIGHT CONTROLS.

## 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
  - directional control - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
  - flight controls - improper use of, pilot in command (cause)
- Main gear collapsed, landing - roll
  - landing gear,main gear - overload

## Analysis

THE STUDENT PILOT REPORTED THAT THE ACFT TOUCHED DOWN ON THE MAIN GEAR WITH THE RIGHT WING SLIGHTLY LOW, BOUNCED SLIGHTLY, AND THEN VEERED TO THE LEFT. SHE SAID THE POWER WAS OFF BUT SHE DIDN'T HOLD THE CONTROL WHEEL BACK FIRMLY AND THE AIRPLANE CONTINUED TO GROUND LOOP. THE LANDING WAS MADE ON AN ASPHALT RUNWAY, 4,100 X 75 FT AND THE WIND WAS CALM.

## Aircraft

- Registration: N2549D (not matched to a registry record)
- Reported make and model: CESSNA 170B
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 20701
- Engines: CONTINENTAL O-300-A 145 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Instructional, Part 91
- Operator: Cole, Edward H.
- Registered owner: Unknown
- Last inspection: Annual, December 14, 1988, 72 hours before
- Departed: 1V5
- Destination: 1V5
- Airport: 1V5, Boulder

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 46; student; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; flight hours: 80 total, 24 in this make and model, 28 in the last 90 days, 11 in the last 30 days, 1 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: calm
- Visibility: 15 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 75 °F

## 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 19890805031209A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19890805031209A), Aug 5, 1989: Cessna 170B, Boulder, CO, Substantial damage. Lost control on landing the tail wheel aircraft and ground looped.

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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