Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during a high speed taxi.
NTSB analysis
The pilot was performing a high speed taxi before an intended local flight. During the high speed taxi, the airplane's tail rose off the ground, and the pilot reduced power. During the subsequent rollout, the tailwheel started to shimmy, and the pilot applied left and right rudder. The airplane veered left, exited the runway, went down a steep slope, and impacted the side of a drainage ditch, which resulted in substantial damage to the wings and fuselage. The pilot reported no mechanical malfunctions.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN12CA329 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- May 29, 2012
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Pryor, Oklahoma
- Nearest airport
- Mid-America Industrial Airport (H71)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Amateur-built AVID FLYER IV
- N-number
- N85AY
- 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.