# NTSB IAD97LA110: Cessna 170B, N3454C, Jamestown, NY, August 14, 1997 - Type: NTSB accident investigation - Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report - Date: August 14, 1997, 16:25 local (20:25 UTC) - Place: Jamestown, NY - Coordinates: 42.090732, -79.230735 (estimated) - Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=42.0907&lon=-79.2307&mi=10 - Phase of flight: [Landing](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/550) (OpenAirDocs' grouping) - Highest injury: No injuries - Injuries: 4 uninjured - Status: Completed, report February 28, 2000 - Report: Approved by Office Director - NTSB case key (mKey): 28225 - NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=IAD97LA110 - NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/28225/pdf - Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/IAD97LA110 ## Probable cause The pilot's failure to maintain control of the airplane during a crosswind landing. ## 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 - aircraft control - not maintained, pilot in command (cause) - Gear collapsed, landing - roll - ground loop/swerve ## Analysis The pilot stated that during a landing to Runway 25, the wind was from 350 degrees at 6 knots, gusting to 15 knots. The airplane turned to the right due to a rear quartering tailwind. He lost control of the airplane and 'ground looped.' The airplane rotated approximately 180 degrees, and the left main landing gear collapsed into the fuselage. ## Factual narrative On August 14, 1997, about 1625 Eastern Daylight Time, a Cessna 170B, N3454C, was substantially damaged during a landing at the Chautauqua County/Jamestown Airport (JHW), Jamestown, New York. The certificated private pilot and three passengers were not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the local flight. No flight plan was filed for the personal flight conducted under 14 CFR Part 91. The pilot stated that during the landing to Runway 25, "...the aircraft began a turn to the right due to rear quartering tailwind. I lost control resulting in the aircraft to ground loop..." The pilot further stated that the wind was from 350 degrees at 6 knots, gusting to 15 knots. He was "...advised that landing aircraft were using Runway 25 [instead of Runway 31]." The airplane rotated approximately 180 degrees, and the left main landing gear collapsed into the fuselage. The airplane came to rest on the grass, off to the right side of the runway. A Federal Aviation Administration Inspector examined the wreckage. He reported that the left main landing gear collapsed, the left wing strut was broken, and the front center spar was damaged. Flight control continuity was verified. No pre-impact mechanical malfunctions were found, nor did the pilot report any. According to the JHW Automated Surface Observation System, at 1551, the winds were from 300 degrees at 7 knots. ## Aircraft - Registration: [N3454C](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N3454C), registered now, S/N 26497, built 1954 (OpenAirDocs) - Reported make and model: Cessna 170B - Registry model: [Cessna 170B](https://openairdocs.org/model/cessna-170b) (registry code 2072306) (OpenAirDocs) - Registry engine: [Lycoming 0-340 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-0-340-series) (registry code 41510, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs) - Category: Airplane - Serial number: 26497 - Airframe hours: 2621 - Engines: Lycoming O-340-A1A 170 horsepower reciprocating - Damage: Substantial damage - Flight: Personal, Part 91 - Registered owner: Robert H. Campbell - Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal - Last inspection: Annual, October 24, 1996, 20 hours before - Departed: JHW - Airport: JHW, Chautauqua County, runway 25, 5,299 × 100 ft, asphalt ## Flight crew As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names. - Pilot; age 60; private; airplane ratings: single-engine sea, single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: left; flight hours: 1,027 total, 109 in this make and model, 881 as pilot in command, 19 in the last 90 days, 5 in the last 30 days, 1 in the last 24 hours ## Weather - Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day - Wind: 300° at 7 knots - Visibility: 15 statute miles - Lowest ceiling: none - Temperature: 68 °F, dew point 46 °F - Altimeter: 30.00 inHg - Observed at: JHW ## FAA reports on this event (1) The FAA's own accident and incident reports, matched to the aircraft by N-number and date (OpenAirDocs). - [Incident 19970814022459I](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19970814022459I), Aug 14, 1997: Cessna 170B, Jamestown, NY, Minor damage. Narrative: on Thursday, August 14, 1997, at 1625 local time, a Cessna 170B, N3454C, while making a second landing on runway 25 at Jamestown airport, Jamestown,… 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. --- OpenAirDocs.org is an independent research project of [Contrail Labs](https://contraillabs.com/). It is not affiliated with the FAA or the NTSB. Source documents are U.S. government works in the public domain.