Aviation Accident Summaries

Aviation Accident Summary DEN99LA087

OGDEN, UT, USA

Aircraft #1

N2716C

Cessna 170B

Analysis

The pilot was practicing approaches to an unimproved airstrip on Fremont Island in the Great Salt Lake, about 20 miles west of Ogden, Utah. He said one of the main wheels inadvertently touched down in the soft sand, causing him to lose control. During his attempt to recover, the propeller either struck a rock or the ground. The pilot said the airplane lost flying speed, and subsequently collided with water. It submerged about 50 yards offshore.

Factual Information

On May 27, 1999, approximately 1100 mountain daylight time, a Cessna 170B, N2716C, was destroyed when it collided with terrain and water while maneuvering near Ogden, Utah. The private pilot, the sole occupant aboard, was not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan had been filed for the personal flight being conducted under Title 14 CFR Part 91. The flight originated from Salt Lake City, Utah, approximately 0900. According to the pilot's accident report, he was practicing approaches to an unimproved airstrip on Fremont Island in the Great Salt Lake, about 20 miles west of Ogden, Utah. He wrote, "One of the main wheels inadvertently touched down [in the sand], causing loss of control. During attempted recovery, propeller struck rock and/or ground, resulting in inability to obtain flying speed." The airplane subsequently collided with water and submerged about 50 yards offshore.

Probable Cause and Findings

The pilot's misjudgment of altitude during an intentional (practice) low altitude flight maneuver (landing approach).

 

Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database

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