# NTSB LAX94LA031: Cessna 170B, N2451D, Prescott, AZ, October 30, 1993

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: October 30, 1993, 07:03 local (14:03 UTC)
- Place: Prescott, AZ
- Coordinates: 34.619091, -112.419998 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=34.6191&lon=-112.4200&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Landing](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/550) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report August 1, 1994
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 28584
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX94LA031
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/28584/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX94LA031

## Probable cause

THE PILOT'S LOSS OF DIRECTIONAL CONTROL DUE TO HIS IMPROPER BOUNCED LANDING RECOVERY TECHNIQUE AND THE IMPROPER USE OF THE RUDDER CONTROLS.  A FACTOR IN THE ACCIDENT WAS THE PILOT'S LACK OF TOTAL EXPERIENCE IN CONVENTIONAL LANDING GEAR AIRCRAFT.

## 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
  - recovery from bounced landing - improper, pilot in command (cause)
  - rudder - improper use of, pilot in command (cause)
  - lack of total experience in type of aircraft, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - directional control - not maintained, pilot in command
  - ground loop/swerve - inadvertent, pilot in command
- On ground/water encounter with terrain/water, landing - aborted
  - terrain condition - ditch

## Analysis

The pilot said he planned a full stop landing on runway 21L. The aircraft bounced on landing and veered left off the runway into the dirt area next to the pavement. The pilot reported that he attempted to initiate a go around by applying full power; however, the aircraft did not attain sufficient flying speed prior to the aircraft encountering a ditch.

## Factual narrative

On October 30, 1993, at 0703 mountain standard time, a Cessna 170B, N2451D, swerved off the runway and collided with a ditch during landing at Prescott, Arizona.  The aircraft was owned and operated by the pilot and was engaged in local traffic pattern practice operation.  Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time and no flight plan was filed.  The aircraft incurred substantial damage.  The certificated private pilot, the sole occupant, was not injured.  The flight originated at the Prescott airport on the day of the mishap at about 0700 hours.

According to the pilot's written statement, he planned a full stop landing on runway 21L.  The aircraft bounced on landing and veered left off the runway into the dirt area next to the pavement.  The pilot reported that he attempted to initiate a go around by applying full power; however, the aircraft did not attain sufficient flying speed prior to the aircraft encountering a ditch.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N2451D](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N2451D-2012-08-14), registration cancelled 2012-08-14, S/N 20603, built 1952 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: CESSNA 170B
- Registry model: [Cessna 170B](https://openairdocs.org/model/cessna-170b) (registry code 2072306) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Continental C145 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/continental-c145-series) (registry code 17012, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 20603
- Airframe hours: 3616
- Engines: CONTINENTAL C-145 145 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: George S. Sara
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, August 23, 1993, 25 hours before
- Departed: PRC
- Airport: PRC, Ernest A. Love Field, runway 21L, 7,616 × 150 ft, asphalt

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 46; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: left; flight hours: 146 total, 16 in this make and model, 67 as pilot in command, 21 in the last 90 days, 5 in the last 30 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 230° at 5 knots
- Visibility: 65 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 36 °F, dew point 19 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: PRC, 1 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 19931030041159A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19931030041159A), Oct 30, 1993: Cessna 170B, Prescott, AZ, Substantial damage. Bounced and lost control of tail dragger. Exited runway. Tried to go around but struck a ditch.

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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