Cessna 170B N8249A accident near San Carlos, California

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the landing roll, which resulted in a ground loop.

NTSB analysis

The pilot reported that during a wheel landing with an 8-knot crosswind from the right, the main landing gear touched down normally and the airplane began the landing roll down the runway centerline. The airplane then drifted to the right and in response, the pilot applied left rudder control and braking action. Despite full control inputs, the pilot could not maintain directional control and the airplane ground looped; the left landing gear collapsed and the wings sustained substantial damage. The pilot reported no pre impact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for WPR13CA356 for the full record.