Probable cause
The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control of the tailwheel-equipped airplane during a gusty crosswind landing.
NTSB analysis
The pilot was conducting a full stall (3-point) landing in the tailwheel-equipped airplane. The pilot reported that after touchdown a wind gust from the right caused the airplane to roll left and ground loop. The fuselage and left wing were substantially damaged during the ground loop when the left landing gear collapsed. Based on the reported wind direction and speed at the airport, there was likely a right crosswind component of about 6 to 9 knots at the time of the accident. The pilot reported that there were no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation of the airplane.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN25LA210 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Jun 15, 2025
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Fort Morgan, Colorado
- Nearest airport
- Fort Morgan Municipal Airport (FMM)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Cessna 170B
- N-number
- N1996C
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1953
- 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.