# NTSB FTW83LA081: Cessna 170A, N1781D, Temple, TX, January 11, 1983

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: January 11, 1983, 09:25 local (15:25 UTC)
- Place: Temple, TX
- Coordinates: 31.079675, -97.249656 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=31.0797&lon=-97.2497&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Takeoff](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/300) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 20787
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=FTW83LA081
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/20787/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW83LA081

## 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
  - directional control - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
  - ground loop/swerve - inadvertent, pilot in command (cause)
  - lack of total experience, pilot in command (contributing factor)
- Main gear collapsed, takeoff
  - landing gear,main gear - overload (contributing factor)

## Analysis

THE STUDENT PLT REPORTED HE WAS TAKING OFF, DIRECTLY INTO THE WIND, WHEN DIRECTIONAL CONTORL WAS LOST. SUBSEQUENTLY, THE ACFT VEERED OFF THE LEFT SIDE OF THE RWY & THE RIGHT GEAR FAILED.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N1781D](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N1781D-2011-06-23), registration cancelled 2011-06-23, S/N 20127, 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: 20127
- Airframe hours: 3102
- Engines: CONTINENTAL C-145-2 145 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: James M. Elliott
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Airport: TPL, Temple Municipal, runway 33, 6,301 × 150 ft, asphalt

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 34; student; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 2, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: left; flight hours: 12 total, 12 in this make and model, 1 as pilot in command, 12 in the last 90 days, 1 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 330° at 4 knots
- Visibility: 20 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 48 °F, dew point 46 °F
- Altimeter: 27.00 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 19830111000809A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19830111000809A), Jan 11, 1983: Cessna 170A, Temple, TX, Substantial damage. Student pilot lost directional control of aircraft during takeoff and ground looped.

## Other investigations on N1781D (2)

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.

- [NTSB CHI69F0117](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI69F0117), Jul 28, 1968: Cessna 170A (N1781D), Columbus, OH, substantial damage
- [NTSB CHI66D0416](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI66D0416), Oct 17, 1965: Cessna 170A (N1781D), Hebron, OH, substantial damage

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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