Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the landing. Contributing was the flight instructor's delayed remedial action.
NTSB analysis
The airplane "started to swerve to the right" after the student pilot corrected for a slight left drift while attempting a crosswind landing. Despite an attempt by both the pilot and flight instructor to arrest the right turn by applying "all controls and left brake," the airplane continued to veer to the right and skidded off the runway. During the skid the left wing contacted the runway and was substantially damaged. The instructor reported that the wind was a direct crosswind from the right at approximately 5 knots. The winds recorded at the nearest airport, 30 miles to the east, were from an easterly direction at approximately 6 to 9 knots. In addition, the pilot reported no preaccident mechanical malfunctions/failures.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ERA09CA159 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Feb 7, 2009
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Lake Placid, Florida
- Nearest airport
- Placid Lakes Airport (09FA)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Cessna 170B
- N-number
- N1825C
- 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.