Aircraft: Cessna 170A. Injuries: None. Location: Mulino, Oregon. Aircraft damage: Substantial.
What reportedly happened: The purpose of the flight was for the private pilot to regain tailwheel currency and to complete a flight review. Following basic air-work, the CFI asked the student to perform a wheel landing.
The CFI said the landing was successful, but during rollout the student lost directional control and the airplane veered to the right.
The CFI reported that, due to his lengthy personal relationship with the student, he delayed taking control of the airplane. By the time he took the controls, it was too late to avoid the impending ground loop.
As the airplane came to a stop on the runway’s gravel shoulder, the left main landing gear separated from the gear box, and the left wing broke.
Probable cause: The CFI’s inadequate oversight of his student, and delayed recovery efforts following the student’s loss of directional control during landing rollout.
NTSB Identification: WPR11CA355
This July 2011 accident report is provided by the National Transportation Safety Board. Published as an educational tool, it is intended to help pilots learn from the misfortunes of others.
