Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the landing roll, which resulted in a runway excursion and substantial damage to the fuselage.
NTSB analysis
The pilot of a tailwheel equipped airplane reported that during the landing roll in crosswind conditions the airplane veered to the left and the left main landing gear exited the runway. The pilot further reported that he applied right rudder to correct for the veer, and as the left main landing gear returned to the pavement the wheel separated from the gear leg. He reported that the leg drug along the runway and the airplane came to a stop nose down, which resulted in substantial damage to the fuselage.
The pilot reported that there were no preimpact mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airframe or engine that would have precluded normal operation.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for GAA16CA345 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Jun 29, 2016
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Everett, Washington
- Nearest airport
- Snohomish County (Paine Fld) (PAE)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Cessna 170
- N-number
- N401P
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1951
- 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.