Primary finding
Probable cause
the pilot's inadequate compensation for the existing wind conditions and his failure to maintain directional control.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
According to the pilot, during the landing roll a gust of wind caused the aircraft to veer off the runway and he was unable to regain directional control before the aircraft ground looped.
Source record
Factual narrative
On August 9, 1993, at 1415 Pacific daylight time, a Cessna 170B, N2294D, ground looped on landing at the Lakeport, California, airport. The aircraft was owned and operated by the pilot. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time and no flight plan was filed for the operation. The aircraft sustained substantial damage to the wings and the fuselage structure surrounding the gear attach points. Neither the certificated private pilot nor his one passenger were injured. The flight originated at Oakland, California, on the day of the mishap at about 1330 hours as a personal cross country flight to Lakeport. According to the pilot, during the landing roll out a gust of wind caused the aircraft to veer off the runway and he was unable to regain directional control before the aircraft ground looped. -