Probable cause
The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control of the airplane while landing.
NTSB analysis
The pilot was practicing takeoffs and landings on runway 12. During the landing roll after the third landing, the airplane started to drift to the right and the pilot corrected with rudder. The airplane departed the runway to the right and struck a ditch. During the impact, the left wing struck the ground, resulting in substantial damage to the left wing spar. No preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures were reported that would have precluded normal operation.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN13CA074 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Nov 18, 2012
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Poplar Grove, Illinois
- Nearest airport
- Poplar Grove Airport (C77)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Cessna 172N
- N-number
- N4811G
- 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.