Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the landing roll, which resulted in a
ground loop.
NTSB analysis
The pilot of the tailwheel-equipped airplane reported that during a touch-and-go maneuver, the airplane veered left, and he corrected with right rudder pedal input. However, the airplane continued to veer left, and the pilot closed the throttle and applied the brakes. Subsequently, the airplane ground looped and the right wing impacted the ground, which resulted in substantial damage to the right wing and aileron. The pilot stated that about 15 minutes after the accident the wind report showed a quartering tailwind.
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 WPR25LA033 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Nov 8, 2024
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Lancaster, California
- Nearest airport
- General Wm J Fox Airfield (WJF)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Cessna 170B
- N-number
- N1977C
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1953
- 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.