Probable cause
The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control during the landing roll.
NTSB analysis
The pilot of the tailwheel-equipped airplane reported that, during the landing roll, the tailwheel shimmied, so he held full aft elevator input until the airplane slowed. He then "slightly" released the back pressure when the airplane suddenly swerved to the right. The pilot was unable to correct the turn, and the airplane ground looped. The left main landing gear collapsed, and the left wing impacted the ground.
The airplane sustained substantial damage to the fuselage.
The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for GAA17CA399 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Jul 7, 2017
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Pine Bluff, Arkansas
- Nearest airport
- Grider Field (PBF)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Cessna 170B
- N-number
- N2811C
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1954
- 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.