Probable cause
The failure of the lower right side longeron tail-spring support area during landing due to excessive corrosion.
NTSB analysis
The pilot reported he made 10 landings during light and variable wind conditions, the first nine of which were uneventful; however, on the 10th landing there was a sudden uncontrolled “jerk” to the left. The pilot was unable to maintain control and the airplane departed the runway into the grass. A postaccident examination of the airplane revealed the lower right longeron tail-spring failed due to corrosion.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN12LA531 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Aug 9, 2012
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Poplar Grove, Illinois
- Nearest airport
- Poplar Grove Airport (C77)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Dusk
Amateur-built AVID MARK IV
- N-number
- N1328L
- 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.