Probable cause
The student pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the takeoff roll.
NTSB analysis
The student pilot in the tailwheel equipped airplane reported that, during the takeoff ground roll he did not apply enough right rudder input to compensate for the propellers asymmetric blade effect. The airplane veered off the left side of the runway and ground looped. The right wing and horizontal stabilizer were substantially damaged. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for WPR22LA289 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Jul 29, 2022
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Fairbank'S, Alaska
- Nearest airport
- Fairbanks International Airpor (PAFA)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Cessna 170B
- N-number
- N4493B
- 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.