Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain directional control of the airplane during landing.
NTSB analysis
The private pilot had just departed in his tailwheel-equipped airplane from a 6,000-foot-long asphalt runway, and was attempting to land back on the runway. The airplane bounced and the pilot reduced power and tried to make a three-point landing, but the airplane was not properly aligned with the runway. The airplane then veered off the runway, ground-looped and flipped inverted. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the vertical stabilizer and left wing. The pilot reported that there were no mechanical deficiencies with the airplane or engine.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN09CA310 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- May 21, 2009
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Ozona, Texas
- Nearest airport
- Ozona Municipal Airport (OZA)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Dusk
Luscombe 8E
- N-number
- N2450K
- Category
- Airplane
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Personal
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.