Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during landing with a right crosswind,.
NTSB analysis
The pilot of the tailwheel equipped airplane performed a three-point landing and flared a little high which led to a few mild bounces. Shortly after, the airplane veered left and the pilot applied corrective control inputs. Subsequently, the airplane veered hard right, exited the runway, and ground looped. During the ground loop, the left wing impacted the ground which resulted in substantial damage to the left wing and fuselage.
The pilot reported no pre-accident mechanical failures or malfunctions that would have precluded normal operation. At the time of the accident, the pilot was landing on runway 17 with wind from 250° at 8 knots.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for WPR26LA239 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Jun 27, 2026
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- El Cajon, California
- Nearest airport
- Gillespie Field (KSEE)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Cessna 170A
- N-number
- N1607D
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1951
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Instructional
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.