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 about 40 knots ground speed, the airplane drifted left, and he corrected back to the runway center. However, the airplane then drifted right, and he was unable to correct back to the runway center. The airplane ground looped to the right, and the left wing struck the ground before the airplane came to a stop.
The airplane sustained substantial damage to the forward lower fuselage bulkhead and the left wing.
The pilot reported that there were no mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for GAA18CA509 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Aug 25, 2018
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Prineville, Oregon
- Nearest airport
- Prineville (S39)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Cessna 170
- N-number
- N4569C
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1963
- 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.