Probable cause
The pilot’s failure to maintain an appropriate descent rate during approach, which resulted in landing short of the runway threshold.
NTSB analysis
The pilot of a tailwheel-equipped airplane reported that, during the final approach, the airplane was too low, which he failed to notice and correct. Subsequently, the airplane landed short of the runway threshold in about 3 ft of snow and nosed over.
The airplane sustained substantial damage to the left lift strut, firewall, and empennage.
The pilot reported no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for GAA17CA116 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Jan 14, 2017
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Coeur D'Alene, Idaho
- Nearest airport
- Coeur D'Alene - Pappy Boyingto (COE)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Cessna 170
- N-number
- N3210A
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1953
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Personal
Other records under this N-number
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.