Probable cause
The pilot's improper landing flare, which resulted in a hard landing and subsequent ground loop.
NTSB analysis
The pilot reported that, upon landing, the airplane veered left. He attempted to correct with rudder and tapping on the brakes, but the airplane ground looped. The pilot added that he believed that "the landing gear was out of alignment." The airplane sustained substantial damage to the fuselage and the windscreen. According to a Federal Aviation Administration inspector, the fuselage damage was consistent with a hard landing and ground loop.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for GAA19CA487 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Jul 15, 2019
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Bison, South Dakota
- Nearest airport
- Bison Muni (6V5)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Cessna 170
- N-number
- N2946D
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1955
- 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.