Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the landing roll.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot was landing his tailwheel airplane on a narrow gravel road. During the landing roll, he lost directional control and the airplane swerved to the left and went off the roadway.
Source record
Factual narrative
On July 18, 1996, about 1200 Alaska daylight time, a wheel equipped Cessna 170B airplane, N2813C, sustained substantial damage while landing at an off airport site located approximately 8 miles northwest of Tyonek, Alaska. The airline transport certificated pilot, and the sole passenger aboard, were not injured. The local, 14 CFR Part 91 flight departed Lake Hood Strip, Anchorage, Alaska, about 1130, and operated in visual meteorological conditions without a flight plan. During a telephone conversation with the NTSB investigator-in-charge on July 23, 1996, the pilot stated he was attempting to land the airplane on a narrow, gravel surfaced road that was formerly used to provide access to oil well drilling sites. The pilot said he lost directional control during the landing roll, the airplane swerved to the left, went off the roadway, and subsequently damaged the right wing. -