Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the landing roll.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot was landing on runway 14. The wind was from 130 degrees at 6 knots. Upon landing the airplane began to veer right. As the airplane turned it dragged its left wing on the ground. The pilot stated she has no idea why the airplane 'ground looped.'
Source record
Factual narrative
On June 15, 1995, at 1215 Alaska daylight time, a wheel equipped Cessna 170B airplane, N4512C, registered to and operated by the pilot, dragged a wing upon landing at the Gulkana Airport, Gulkana, Alaska. The personal flight, operating under 14 CFR Part 91, departed Merrill Field, Anchorage, Alaska, on a visual flight rules flight plan and the destination was the accident site. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed. The private certificated pilot and the two passengers were not injured and the airplane was substantially damaged. According to the pilot, upon touchdown the airplane began to veer right and she lost directional control. The airplane turned to the right and "ground looped" dragging the left wing on the runway's surface. The pilot was landing the airplane on Gulkana's runway 14. The wind was from 130 degrees at 6 knots. The pilot stated she has no idea why the airplane "ground looped." -