Cessna 170A N9212A

Summary

On 12 October 1997 at about 22:00 local time, a Cessna 170A registered N9212A was involved in an accident near Quincy, California, United States. 4 people were on board and nobody was injured. The aircraft was substantially damaged. The NTSB has published a probable cause for this accident; it is quoted in full below.

Date

12 October 1997 at 22:00

Classification

Accident

Location

Quincy, California, United States

Nearest airport

Gasner Field (2O1)

Coordinates

39.9440, -120.9540

Aircraft

Cessna 170A

Registration

N9212A

Category

Airplane

Engines

1

Operator

Not recorded

Operating rule

Part 91: General Aviation

Purpose of flight

Personal

Phase of flight

Not recorded

Route

Chico → Unknown

Aircraft damage

Substantial

Weather

VMC

Light

Day

NTSB number

LAX98LA011

Nobody was injured.

loss of directional control due to a severe tail wheel vibration, which was induced by an improperly installed and adjusted tail wheel assembly.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record. This site does not paraphrase or interpret it.

Read the full NTSB narrative

The pilot reported that the approach, landing flare, and touchdown were normal. He further stated that during the initial ground roll, a very strong tail wheel vibration began, which 'shook the plane and overrode my rudder controls.' The pilot was unable to regain control, and the aircraft veered to the left, then ground looped in a very tight circle. Written statements submitted by the passengers were consistent with the pilot's report. An FAA airworthiness inspector examined the runway and aircraft. He reported that tail wheel scrub marks were present on the runway pavement in a high frequency wave pattern which led to the point of the ground loop. Examination of the aircraft disclosed about 1/8-inch play in the tail wheel bearings. The inspector also reported that the tail wheel was improperly shimmed. Review of the maintenance records disclosed that the tail wheel was replaced 12 days before the accident. Work orders from the repair shop (that installed the unit) noted that the tail wheel assembly was supplied by the owner. The work order noted that the bearings were replaced by the shop at the time of installation.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record.