Probable cause
The pilots did not maintain directional control of the airplane during landing.
NTSB analysis
The flight instructor, and the pilot receiving instruction, both reported that during tailwheel transition training, the airplane drifted to the right of the runway while performing a wheel-landing. They reported that left rudder was applied to counteract the drift, but the airplane did not respond as expected. The pilot receiving instruction stated that the airplane exited the runway, the left wheel caught the terrain, and the airplane nosed over. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the left wing, vertical stabilizer, and rudder. Neither pilot reported any mechanical failures or malfunctions of the airplane that precluded normal operation. Both pilots reported the wind condition as light and variable.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN20CA317 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Jul 17, 2020
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Osceola, Wisconsin
- Nearest airport
- L O Simenstad Municipal Arpt (OEO)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Cessna 120
- N-number
- N1926N
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1947
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Instructional
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.