Cessna 170A N5789C accident near Willow, Alaska

Probable cause

The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control during landing roll, resulting in a ground loop and substantial damage to the airplane.

NTSB analysis

The pilot reported that he performed a normal, coordinated 3-point landing near the approach end of the runway and “fast taxied” with the tail airborne down the runway. As the airplane neared the taxiway, the pilot reduced the throttle and the tail touched down normally. The pilot applied the brakes, at which time the airplane immediately veered to the right. The pilot attempted to correct with opposite rudder and brakes; however, the airplane ground-looped, sustaining substantial damage to the left wing and left elevator. The pilot reported he then taxied the airplane from the runway to a transient parking area with no issues.

Postaccident examination of the tailwheel assembly and brakes found the steering arms bent and the rigging on the steering chains taut. Bent steering arms can contribute to a shimmy in the tailwheel, especially at high speeds. The pilot did not report feeling any shimmy during the landing roll and he was able to taxi the airplane following the accident without any control issues. No other mechanical failures/malfunctions were identified that would have resulted in the loss of directional control.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ANC24LA042 for the full record.