Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during landing. Contributing to the accident was the flight instructor's delayed remedial action.
NTSB analysis
During the landing rollout on the instructional flight, the airplane encountered a right crosswind and started veering to the right. According to the certified flight instructor (CFI), he took the controls just as a wind gust struck the right side of the airplane, which resulted in the left wingtip striking the runway. The CFI stated full opposite control was insufficient to prevent the right wing from rising and the left wing tip from scraping the runway. Postaccident examination of the airplane revealed substantial damage to the left aileron.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN11CA122 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Dec 11, 2010
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Houston, Texas
- Nearest airport
- West Houston (IWS)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Cessna 170B
- N-number
- N1634D
- Category
- Airplane
- 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.