# NTSB SEA91LA237: Cessna 170B, N4693C, Curtis, WA, September 16, 1991

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Fatal · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: September 15, 1991, 18:00 local (Sep 16, 1991, 01:00 UTC)
- Place: Curtis, WA
- Coordinates: 46.470973, -123.079421 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=46.4710&lon=-123.0794&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Fatal
- Injuries: 1 fatal
- Status: Completed, report July 23, 1993
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 41535
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=SEA91LA237
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/41535/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA91LA237

## Probable cause

A MISJUDGED MANEUVER DUE TO PHYSICAL IMPAIRMENT BY ALCOHOL. CONTRIBUTING TO THE ACCIDENT WAS OVERCONFIDENCE IN PERSONAL ABILITY.

## Analysis

THE CESSNA 170B COLLIDED WITH TERRAIN WHILE MANEUVERING DURING A LOW PASS OVER THE AIRSTRIP. WITNESSES STATED THAT THE PILOT APPEARED TO HAVE BEEN ATTEMPTING A ROLL WHEN THE NOSE DROPPED WHILE THE AIRCRAFT WAS INVERTED. THE AIRCRAFT STRUCK THE GROUND IN A NOSE-LOW ATTITUDE. TOXICOLOGICAL SAMPLES REVEALED THAT THE PILOT'S BLOOD ALCOHOL LEVEL WAS .08 GRAMS PER 100 MILLILITER.

## Sequence of events

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

- In flight collision with terrain/water, maneuvering
  - maneuver - misjudged, pilot in command (cause)
  - overconfidence in personal ability, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - in-flight planning/decision - inadequate, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - altitude - inadequate (contributing factor)
  - impairment(alcohol), pilot in command (cause)

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N4693C](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N4693C-2012-11-27), registration cancelled 2012-11-27, S/N 25637, built 1953 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: CESSNA 170B
- Registry model: [Cessna 170](https://openairdocs.org/model/cessna-170) (registry code 2072302) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Continental C145 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/continental-c145-series) (registry code 17012, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 25637
- Engines: CONTINENTAL C-145-2 145 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Fire: On-Ground
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Kirkendall, Curtis
- Registered owner: Kirkendall, Curtis
- Airport: 0WA2, Curtis

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 67; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, expired; toxicology performed; flight hours: 2,510 total

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 60° at 11 knots
- Visibility: 60 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 72 °F, dew point 45 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: OLM, 24 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 19910915039989A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19910915039989A), Sep 15, 1991: Cessna 170B, Curtis, WA, Destroyed, 1 fatal. Tried to perform a low altitude split s over airport. Impacted ground after rolling level. Tested alcohol positive.

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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