Aviation Accident Summaries

Aviation Accident Summary ANC09CA045

Nenana, AK, USA

Aircraft #1

N6946C

CESSNA 170B

Analysis

The private pilot was practicing touch-and-go landings on Runway 04L in a tailwheel-equipped airplane. He said that after completing a series of touch-and-go landings, he inadvertently landed long, and elected to roll to the end of the runway, then back-taxi on Runway 04L before departing. The pilot reported that while back-taxiing at high speed, a gust of wind lifted the tail of the airplane and he applied full engine power in an attempt to take off. He said that just after takeoff, the airplane drifted to the left and the left wing stalled. The left wing and left main landing gear wheel struck an area of grass-covered terrain and the left landing gear collapsed. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the left wing and fuselage. The pilot indicated that there were no preaccident mechanical problems with the airplane. At the time of the accident an Aviation Routine Weather Report (METAR) at the airport was reporting wind condition as variable at 4 knots. The pilot indicated in his written report to the NTSB the wind was from 070 degrees at 7 knots, gusting to 11 knots, and that he should have taxied slower.

Factual Information

The private pilot was practicing touch-and-go landings on Runway 04L in a tailwheel-equipped airplane, operated under Title 14, Code of Federal Regulations Part 91. He said that after completing a series of touch-and-go landings, he inadvertently landed long, and elected to roll to the end of the runway, then back-taxi on Runway 04L before departing. The pilot reported that while back-taxiing at high speed, a gust of wind lifted the tail of the airplane, and he applied full engine power in an attempt to takeoff. He said that just after takeoff, the airplane drifted to the left, and the left wing stalled. The left wing and left main landing gear wheel struck an area of grass covered terrain, and the left landing gear collapsed. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the left wing and fuselage. The pilot indicated that there were no preaccident mechanical problems with the airplane. At the time of the accident an Aviation Routine Weather Report (METAR) at the airport was reporting wind condition as variable at 4 knots. The pilot indicated in his written report to the NTSB the wind was from 070 degrees at 7 knots, gusting to 11 knots, and that he should have taxied slower.

Probable Cause and Findings

The pilot's failure to maintain control while taxiing for takeoff, and his failure to attain/maintain adequate airspeed after takeoff, resulting in an aerodynamic stall. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s excessive taxi speed.

 

Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database

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