# NTSB DEN91LA038: Cessna 170A, N1437D, Holly, CO, February 2, 1991

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: February 2, 1991, 10:00 local (17:00 UTC)
- Place: Holly, CO
- Coordinates: 38.05083, -102.12062 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=38.0508&lon=-102.1206&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Landing](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/550) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 3 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report March 24, 1993
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 18069
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=DEN91LA038
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/18069/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DEN91LA038

## Probable cause

THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO MAINTAIN DIRECTIONAL CONTROL.  FACTORS WERE:  A GUSTY CROSSWIND CONDITION AND THE PILOT'S LACK OF FAMILIARITY WITH THE AIRCRAFT.

## 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
  - weather condition - crosswind (contributing factor)
  - weather condition - gusts (contributing factor)
  - directional control - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
  - lack of familiarity with aircraft, pilot in command (contributing factor)
- On ground/water encounter with terrain/water, landing - roll
- Main gear collapsed, landing - roll
  - landing gear,main gear - overload

## Analysis

ALTHOUGH THE PILOT HAD A TOTAL OF 105 HOURS FLIGHT EXPERIENCE, HE HAD JUST THREE HOURS IN A CESSNA 170A.  DURING THE LANDING ROLL ON RUNWAY 35, A SUDDEN GUST OF WIND FROM THE WEST STRUCK THE AIRCRAFT.  THE PILOT LOST CONTROL OF THE AIRCRAFT AND IT GROUND LOOPED.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N1437D](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N1437D-2022-02-15), registration cancelled 2022-02-15, S/N 20020, built 1951 (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: 20020
- Engines: CONTINENTAL C-145 145 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: William D. Bruce
- Registered owner: William D. Bruce
- Airport: K08, Holly, runway 35, 4,200 × 30 ft, gravel

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 30; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; flight hours: 104 total, 3 in this make and model, 72 as pilot in command, 3 in the last 90 days, 3 in the last 30 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 270° at 10 knots
- Visibility: 15 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: -0 °F, dew point -0 °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 19910202001579A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19910202001579A), Feb 2, 1991: Cessna 170A, Holly, CO, Substantial damage. Lost control and ground looped landing in crosswind.

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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