# NTSB FTW96LA354: Cessna 170B, N600JM, Victoria, TX, August 18, 1996

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: August 18, 1996, 10:00 local (15:00 UTC)
- Place: Victoria, TX
- Coordinates: 28.820716, -96.980712 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=28.8207&lon=-96.9807&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Landing](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/550) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Minor injuries
- Injuries: 1 minor, 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report April 15, 1998
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 19951
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=FTW96LA354
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/19951/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW96LA354

## Probable cause

the pilot's failure to maintain directional control of the airplane during the landing roll.  A related factor was the rough/uneven terrain (gopher mound) on the grass runway.

## 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
  - airport facilities,runway/landing area condition - rough/uneven (contributing factor)
  - directional control - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
  - ground loop/swerve - encountered, pilot in command
- Main gear collapsed, landing
  - landing gear,main gear - overload

## Analysis

During the landing roll on a private dirt airstrip, the airplane hit a gopher mound and veered sideways at about 30 mph, collapsing the right main gear and dragging the right main wing tip on the ground. Also, during the occurrence, the windshield was cracked, engine mounts were bent, and the right door frame deformed. FAA records indicated that the student pilot certificate was issued May 18, 1993. FAA Title 14 CFR Part 61 limits a student pilot from carrying a passenger.

## Factual narrative

On August 18, 1996, at 1000 central daylight time, a Cessna 170B, N600JM, registered to and operated by a private owner under Title 14 CFR Part 91 lost control during the landing roll at Ball Airport, Victoria, Texas.  The student pilot was not injured, the sole passenger received minor injuries, and the airplane sustained substantial damage.  Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the personal flight and a flight plan was not filed.  The local flight originated 1 hour 30 minutes before the accident.

During a telephone interview, conducted by the investigator-in-charge, and on the enclosed Pilot/Operator Report, the pilot reported the following information.  The private dirt airstrip is 2,400 feet long and 50 feet wide.  During the second landing, the airplane hit a gopher mound, veered sideways at about 30 mph collapsing the right main gear and dragging the right main wing tip on the ground.  The windshield was cracked, engine mounts bent, and the right door frame deformed.

The FAA inspector examined the tailwheel equipped airplane and reported structural damage to the right main gear, engine firewall, and right wing spar attachment area.  FAA records indicated that the student pilot certificate was issued May 18, 1993.  The pilot reported 51 hours of flight time in the make and model of aircraft.  FAA Title 14 CFR Part 61 limits a student pilot from carrying a passenger.

## Aircraft

- Registration: N600JM (not matched to a registry record)
- Reported make and model: Cessna 170B
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 20458
- Engines: Continental O-300-D15 145 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Charles W. Dortch
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Airport: T42, Ball, runway 31, 2,400 × 50 ft, grass/turf

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 42; student; medical: class 3, expired; seat: left; flight hours: 51 in this make and model

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: calm
- Visibility: 10 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 90 °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 19960818023539A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19960818023539A), Aug 18, 1996: Cessna 170B, Victoria, TX, Substantial damage. During landing pilot lost control and ground looped, damaged right wing, landing gear and propeller. (-23) at approximately 1000, on August 18,1996, Mr.…

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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