# NTSB LAX03LA042: Cessna 170B, N4465B, Mobile, AZ, November 28, 2002 - Type: NTSB accident investigation - Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report - Date: November 28, 2002, 08:30 local (15:30 UTC) - Place: Mobile, AZ - Coordinates: 33.168056, -112.286392 - Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=33.1681&lon=-112.2864&mi=10 - Phase of flight: [Landing](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/550) (OpenAirDocs' grouping) - Highest injury: No injuries - Injuries: 2 uninjured - Status: Completed, report December 28, 2004 - Report: Approved by Office Director - Parties: Federal Aviation Administration - NTSB case key (mKey): 56138 - NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX03LA042 - NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/56138/pdf - Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX03LA042 ## Probable cause the pilot's improper compensation for the crosswind conditions at touchdown and failure to maintain proper alignment of the tail wheel equipped airplane during landing, which resulted in a ground loop. The crosswind was a contributory factor. ## Sequence of events In NTSB's coding before 2008 (https://www.ntsb.gov/GILS/Documents/codman.pdf). - Loss of control - on ground/water, landing - flare/touchdown - weather condition - crosswind - compensation for wind conditions - improper, pilot in command (cause) - proper alignment - not maintained, pilot in command (cause) - ground loop/swerve - inadvertent, pilot in command (cause) - On ground/water encounter with terrain/water, landing - roll - terrain condition - berm - Nose over, landing - roll ## Analysis The airplane ground looped and nosed over while the pilot was performing touch-and-go practice takeoffs and landings at an abandoned gravel airstrip. While on approach, the pilot configured the airplane in a crab to the right, in an effort to counteract the right-quartering crosswind. On final approach, about 15 feet above ground level, the crosswind diminished. The airplane touched down on the runway surface while still in the right crab, with the right main landing gear making contact first. The airplane veered to the left, off the edge of the runway and the main landing gear impacted a dirt berm, resulting in a nose over. The airplane came to rest inverted. The pilot reported no pre impact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane. ## Factual narrative On November 28, 2002, about 0830 mountain standard time, a Cessna 170B, N4465B, ground looped and nosed over while performing touch-and-go practice takeoffs and landings at an abandoned gravel airstrip near Mobile, Arizona. The private pilot was operating the airplane the under the provisions of 14 CFR Part 91. Neither the pilot nor passenger was injured; the airplane sustained substantial damage. The flight originated from the Phoenix Goodyear Airport, Goodyear, Arizona, about 0730 for the local area personal flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and a flight plan had not been filed. In a written statement, the pilot reported that he was attempting to perform touch-and-go practice takeoffs and landings in his tail-wheel equipped airplane. He completed one touch-and-go without mishap, and began an approach for another landing. While on approach, he configured the airplane in a crab to the right in an effort to counteract the right-quartering crosswind. On final approach, about 15 feet above ground level, the crosswind diminished. The airplane touched down on the runway surface while still in the right crab, with the right main landing gear making contact first. The tail moved to the right resulting in the airplane veering to the left, off the edge of the runway. The main landing gear impacted a dirt berm and nosed over. The airplane came to rest inverted. The airplane incurred damage to the wings, rudder, and landing gear box. The pilot noted that he had previously preformed 70 to 80 practice landings on this particular airstrip, without mishap. The pilot thought that the accident could have been prevented if he had made a go-around, or properly used the rudder during the crosswind operation. The pilot reported no pre impact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane. ## Aircraft - Registration: [N4465B](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N4465B-2005-04-04), registration cancelled 2005-04-04, S/N 26809, built 1955 (OpenAirDocs) - Reported make and model: Cessna 170B - Registry model: [Cessna 170B](https://openairdocs.org/model/cessna-170b) (registry code 2072306) (OpenAirDocs) - Registry engine: [Continental 0-300 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/continental-0-300-series) (registry code 17022, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs) - Category: Airplane - Serial number: 26809 - Airframe hours: 2751.7 - Engines: Continental O-300-A 145 horsepower reciprocating - Damage: Substantial damage - Flight: Personal, Part 91 - Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal - Last inspection: Annual, September 10, 2002, 2.1 hours before - Departed: GYR, Goodyear, AZ - Destination: Mobile, AZ - Airport: Private Strip ## Flight crew As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names. - Pilot; age 50; injuries: none; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; last flight review November 27, 2002; seat: left; flight hours: 180 total, 37 in this make and model ## Weather - Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day - Wind: 70° at 15 knots - Visibility: 10 statute miles - Lowest ceiling: none - Temperature: 66 °F, dew point 34 °F - Altimeter: 30.20 inHg - Observed at: PHX, 30 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 20021128033259A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20021128033259A), Nov 28, 2002: Cessna 170B, Mobile, AZ, Substantial damage. (.19) On November 28, 2002, about 1000 mountain standard time, a Cessna 170B, N4465B, ground looped and nosed over while practicing touch-and-go landings at an… 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.