# NTSB NYC85LA253: Cessna C-170A, N5709C, Marathon, NY, September 28, 1985

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: September 28, 1985, 10:30 local (14:30 UTC)
- Place: Marathon, NY
- Coordinates: 42.440044, -76.029579 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=42.4400&lon=-76.0296&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Approach](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/500) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 30155
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=NYC85LA253
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/30155/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC85LA253

## Sequence of events

In NTSB's coding before 2008 (https://www.ntsb.gov/GILS/Documents/codman.pdf).

- In flight collision with terrain/water, go-around (vfr)
  - altitude - misjudged, pilot in command (cause)
  - go-around - delayed, pilot in command (cause)
  - clearance - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
  - terrain condition - ditch
- Loss of control - on ground/water, landing - roll
  - directional control - not maintained, pilot in command

## Analysis

DURING AN APPROACH TO LAND ON A 1600 FT PRIVATE GRASS AIRSTRIP THE PLT NOTICED THE ACFT WAS TOO HIGH. THE LANDING ATTEMPT WAS CONTINUED UNTIL THE PLT THOUGHT THERE WOULD NOT BE SUFFICIENT RUNWAY TO STOP THE ACFT. A GO AROUND WAS INITIATED AND THE TAIL WHEEL STRUCK THE GROUND CAUSING THE LOSS OF CONTROL. THE ACFT CAME TO REST IN A FIELD BEYOND THE RUNWAY WITH WINGTIP, LANDING GEAR AND PROPELLER DAMAGE.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N5709C](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N5709C), registered now, S/N 19663, built 1950 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: CESSNA C-170A
- Registry model: [Cessna 170A](https://openairdocs.org/model/cessna-170a) (registry code 2072304) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Continental C145 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/continental-c145-series) (registry code 17012, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 19663
- Airframe hours: 1905
- Engines: CONTINENTAL O-145 145 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Richard M. Woods
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, October 30, 1984
- Departed: N00, FULTON, NY
- Destination: MARATHON, NY
- Airport: runway 18, 1,600 ×  ft, grass/turf

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 41; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: left; flight hours: 454 total, 169 in this make and model, 359 as pilot in command, 26 in the last 90 days, 1 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: calm
- Visibility: 15 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none

## Other investigations on N5709C (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 NYC74DFJ26](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC74DFJ26), Feb 18, 1974: Cessna 170A (N5709C), Batavia, NY, substantial damage

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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