Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during landing. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's selection of an unsuitable landing area.
NTSB analysis
The pilot elected to land at the private airstrip without permission and initiated an approach to the snow-covered, 1,200 foot-long runway with a slight crosswind from the left. After touchdown near the right edge of the runway, the airplane bounced several times, then began yawing to the left. The airplane then began a right arcing turn, and collided with a snow bank and a building.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for MIA08CA037 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Jan 6, 2008
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Ellsworth, Maine
- Nearest airport
- Philbrick Mountain (NONE)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Cessna 170A
- N-number
- N5407C
- Category
- Airplane
- 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.