# NTSB FTW86LA104: Cessna 170B, N37RA, Witchita Falls, TX, June 8, 1986

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: June 8, 1986, 14:25 local (19:25 UTC)
- Place: Witchita Falls, TX
- Phase of flight: [Takeoff](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/300) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 4 uninjured
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 22035
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=FTW86LA104
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/22035/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW86LA104

## 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 - gusts (contributing factor)
  - directional control - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
  - ground loop/swerve - inadvertent, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - compensation for wind conditions - inadequate, pilot in command (cause)
- On ground/water encounter with terrain/water, takeoff - roll/run
  - terrain condition - ditch

## Analysis

DURING THE GROUND RUN PORTION OF THE TAKEOFF, THE PILOT LOST DIRECTIONAL CONTROL OF HIS TAILDRAGGER AIRCRAFT. AS THE AIRCRAFT WAS SPINNING AROUND THE RIGHT GEAR STRUCK A SMALL DITCH AND BROKE THE LANDING GEAR OFF, CAUSING THE AIRCRAFT TO COME TO REST ON ITS RIGHT SIDE.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N37RA](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N37RA-1997-12-17), registration cancelled 1997-12-17, S/N 20645 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: CESSNA 170B
- Registry model: [Cessna 170B](https://openairdocs.org/model/cessna-170b) (registry code 2072306) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 20645
- Airframe hours: 3124
- Engines: CONTINENTAL O-300 145 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Challie A. Gray
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, June 13, 1985
- Airport: F-14, Witchita Valley, runway 13, 3,490 × 50 ft, asphalt

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 65; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: left; flight hours: 230 total, 148 in this make and model, 166 as pilot in command, 2 in the last 90 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 90° at 8 knots
- Visibility: 10 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 82 °F, dew point 68 °F
- Altimeter: 29.00 inHg
- Observed at: SPS, 6 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 19860608022039A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19860608022039A), Jun 8, 1986: Cessna 170B, Wichita Falls, TX, Substantial damage. Pilot failed to maintain directional control on takeoff. Pilot reported gusty winds not observed by weather service.

## Other investigations on N37RA (1)

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 SEA97LA161](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA97LA161), Jul 5, 1997: Cessna 170B (N37RA), Bend, OR, substantial damage. Probable cause: the pilot's failure to attain a proper climb rate. High density altitude and the pilot's failure to use all of the available runway were factors.

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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