Cessna 170 N2681D accident near Aitkin, Minnesota

Probable cause

The flight instructor's delayed remedial action, which resulted in a hard landing and loss of directional control while landing with a crosswind.

NTSB analysis

The flight instructor stated that he and the student pilot made a straight-in landing approach to the turf runway with a 6 to 7 knot right crosswind. The student intended to make a full-stall landing with the wing flaps extended 20°. Upon touchdown there was a wind gust, which caused the airplane to bounce and drift left over the runway. The flight instructor told the student pilot to add engine power to abort the landing. The student pilot increased engine power, but the airplane continued drifting left over the runway. The airplane bounced a second time, at which time the flight instructor took control of the airplane. The flight instructor stated that the airplane was "skimming the grass" and was "behind the power curve" as he attempted to regain control of the airplane and establish a climb. The airplane impacted the airport perimeter fence about 70 yards left of the runway edge. An engine mount support tube and both wings were substantially damaged during the accident. The flight instructor reported that there were no mechanical anomalies with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN20CA225 for the full record.