Probable cause
The noncertificated pilot's inadequate preflight planning, which resulted in landing on a runway of inadequate length and subsequent runway excursion.
NTSB analysis
The noncertificated pilot reported taking off from his private airstrip and flying to a friend’s grass airstrip. Upon landing, he found that the destination airstrip was too short. The airplane overran the end of the runway and impacted a stump. The pilot reported no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN12LA565 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Aug 19, 2012
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Onondaga, Michigan
- Nearest airport
- Private (PVT)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Kolb Aircraft Co MK-3
- N-number
- N520SK
- 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.