Probable cause
The pilot’s loss of directional control during landing.
NTSB analysis
The pilot in the tailwheel-equipped airplane reported that, following a personal flight, he made a three-point landing on runway 16. He recalled that, during the landing flare, the airplane encountered a wind gust, and following touchdown, the airplane exited the left side of the runway and ground looped to the left. The airplane slid down an embankment, and the right wing struck the ground.
The airplane sustained substantial damage to the right-wing spar and aileron.
The METAR at the airport reported that the wind was from 180° at 5 knots with 10 statute miles visibility and clear skies.
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 GAA17CA426 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Jul 11, 2017
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Friday Harbor, Washington
- Nearest airport
- Friday Harbor (FHR)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Cessna 170
- N-number
- N2714D
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1953
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Business
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.