Cessna 172N N734VH accident near Maple Lake, Minnesota

Probable cause

The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control while landing, which resulted in a runway excursion.

NTSB analysis

The pilot reported that he had a "rough landing" and the "right rear strut wheel broke." Examination of the accident site revealed that the airplane touched down on the runway, and skid marks were found on the runway and grass infield. The airplane exited the runway, crossed over a taxiway, impacted a rock drainage revetment, and then impacted a hangar about 2,100 ft from the touchdown point. The landing gear strut did not separate from the airplane until about 100 ft before impact with the hangar. Examination of the airplane wreckage did not reveal any preimpact malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation. Thus, the pilot likely failed to maintain directional control while landing, which resulted in a runway excursion.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN18LA056 for the full record.