Probable cause
The pilot’s failure to maintain control of the airplane after encountering an unexpected soft spot in the runway during landing.
NTSB analysis
Before the flight, the pilot called the destination airport to check on the runway conditions. No concerns were reported. During the landing roll on the grass runway, the airplane encountered a soft spot in the runway and nosed over, coming to rest inverted. The empennage and fuselage sustained substantial damage. The pilot stated that there were no mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane before the accident.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN13CA251 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- May 1, 2013
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Cortland, Ohio
- Nearest airport
- Urban Airport (8OH5)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Amateur-built RV-8
- N-number
- N81610
- 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.