Probable cause
The pilot’s failure to maintained directional control and the instructor pilot's inadequate supervision, which resulted in a loss of control during takeoff.
NTSB analysis
The flight instructor reported that he was providing flight instruction to the pilot who had recently purchased the tailwheel-equipped airplane, and during takeoff, a crosswind pushed the airplane to the left. He attempted to correct for the left drift to no avail. Subsequently, the airplane continued to the left, exited the runway, impacted a snowbank, and nosed over, resulting in substantial damage to the wings. The flight instructor reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or anomalies that would have precluded normal operation.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ANC23LA029 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Apr 3, 2023
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Wasilla, Alaska
- Nearest airport
- Wasilla Airport (PAWS)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Cessna 170
- N-number
- N4464B
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1955
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Instructional
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.