Probable cause
The pilot’s loss of control during the initial climb for reasons that could not be determined based on the available information.
NTSB analysis
The pilot reported that the airplane began turning left immediately after takeoff and did not seem to be responding to his control inputs. His attempts to maintain control were not successful and the airplane climb rate was deteriorating with the engine at full power. He recalled attempting to “pull back” as the airplane impacted the trees. The airplane sustained damage to the fuselage and both wings. A postaccident examination confirmed flight control continuity with no evidence of a preimpact flight control anomaly.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN21LA337 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Jul 24, 2021
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Larimore, North Dakota
- Nearest airport
- Larimore Municipal (2L1)
- Highest injury
- Serious
- Serious injuries
- 1
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Piper PA18
- N-number
- N83411
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1976
- 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.