# NTSB NYC91LA105: Cessna 170B, N3108A, Newburyport, MA, April 7, 1991

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: April 7, 1991, 11:40 local (15:40 UTC)
- Place: Newburyport, MA
- Location: 42.7954° N, 70.8394° W: Placed by OpenAirDocs at PLUM ISLAND (2B2), within about a mile (OpenAirDocs)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=42.7954&lon=-70.8394&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Takeoff](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/300) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 3 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report May 5, 1993
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 36902
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=NYC91LA105
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/36902/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC91LA105

## Probable cause

THE PILOT FAILING TO COMPENSATE ADEQUATELY FOR ADVERSE WIND CONDITIONS DURING TAKEOFF.

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of control - on ground/water, takeoff
  - weather condition - unfavorable wind (contributing factor)
  - flight controls - improper use of, pilot in command (cause)
  - compensation for wind conditions - inadequate, pilot in command (cause)
- On ground/water encounter with terrain/water, takeoff - roll/run
  - object - tree(s)

## Analysis

THE PILOT STATED HE LOST CONTROL OF THE AIRPLANE DURING TAKEOFF IN A GUSTY CROSSWIND.  HE SAID, 'AIRCRAFT...ALMOST INSTANTLY VEERED OFF TO THE LEFT DUE TO A SUDDEN GUST OF WIND.'  THE WIND WAS NEARLY A 90 DEGREE CROSSWIND WITH GUSTS TO 20 KNOTS.  A POST ACCIDENT INVESTIGATION REVEALED NO MALFUNCTIONS OF THE FLIGHT CONTROL SYSTEM OR THE ENGINE.

## Aircraft

- Registration: N3108A (not matched to a registry record)
- Reported make and model: CESSNA 170B
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 25752
- Engines: CONTINENTAL C-145-2 145 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Ronald E. Gaff
- Registered owner: Ronald E. Gaff
- Last inspection: Unknown, January 2, 2000
- Destination: BVY, BEVERLY, MA
- Airport: 2B2, Plum Island, runway 28, 252 × 50 ft, asphalt

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 39; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; flight hours: 312 total, 250 in this make and model

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 220° at 15 knots, gusting 20
- Visibility: 10 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 64 °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 19910407014399A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19910407014399A), Apr 7, 1991: Cessna 170B, Newburyport, MA, Substantial damage. Weathervaned into gusty crosswind on takeoff. Struck tree 875 ft from runway and ground looped.

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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