Probable cause
The pilot's inadequate directional control during the landing roll.
NTSB analysis
During the landing roll, the airplane swerved to the left side of the runway. The pilot attempted to regain directional control of the tailwheel-equipped airplane by applying left aileron, right rudder, and wheel brake to no avail. The airplane departed the edge of the runway into an area of soft ground and nosed over, sustaining substantial damage to the fuselage. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN12CA117 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Dec 17, 2011
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Atchison, Kansas
- Nearest airport
- Amelia Earhart Airport (K59)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Luscombe 8E
- N-number
- N71911
- 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.