Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain directional control and his failure to compensate for wind conditions which resulted in a ground loop.
NTSB analysis
While performing a landing in gusty crosswinds, the student pilot lost directional control of the tail-wheeled airplane and veered off the 4,000-foot by 75-foot runway. After the airplane left the runway surface, the airplane hit a bump and "ground-looped." The pilot added that this accident could have been avoided by executing a crosswind landing with greater proficiency. The pilot further reported that there were no mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN09CA076 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Oct 24, 2008
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Butler, Missouri
- Nearest airport
- Butler Memorial Airport (KBUM)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Cessna 170A
- N-number
- N5773C
- 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.