Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during takeoff, which resulted in a ground loop.
NTSB analysis
The private pilot reported that he was taking off on a gravel runway in a tailwheel-equipped airplane. He said that during the takeoff roll, as the tail of the airplane came off the ground, the airplane started drifting to the left, and he overcompensated with right rudder, resulting in a ground loop. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the left wing. The pilot indicated that there were no preaccident mechanical anomalies with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ANC12CA105 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Sep 14, 2012
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Bethel, Alaska
- Nearest airport
- Kwethluk (PFKW)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Cessna 170B
- N-number
- N543AR
- Category
- Airplane
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Personal
From the NTSB aviation accident database: N-registered aircraft, events since 2008, data through Oct 28, 2026. The file is published monthly, so the latest weeks are incomplete and recent records can change. The official source is the NTSB aviation investigation search. CheckAero is independent and not affiliated with the NTSB.