Probable cause
The pilot's failure to lock the tailwheel during landing resulting in the loss of directional control.
NTSB analysis
The airplane veered to the left and off the runway after the tailwheel touched down during landing. The pilot stated the tailwheel lock pin did not remain in the locked position. The right main landing gear collapsed and the right wing skin became wrinkled when it contacted the ground resulting in substantial damage. The pilot and three passengers were uninjured. Inspection of the tailwheel by the Federal Aviation Administration revealed no mechanical anomalies that would have precluded normal operation.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN09CA474 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Jul 24, 2009
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Dayton, Ohio
- Nearest airport
- Dayton-Wright Brothers Airport (MGY)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Beech H-18
- N-number
- N87711
- 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.