Probable cause
The pilot’s loss of directional control during an intentional off-airport landing.
NTSB analysis
The pilot reported that he was performing a precautionary landing on a beach when the airplane veered left and impacted a sand dune, resulting in substantial damage. Following the accident, he reported to his insurance company that there were no mechanical malfunctions with the airplane and that he chose to land on the beach to take a photo. The airplane was not examined following the accident; however, the circumstances are consistent with the pilot’s loss of directional control during an off-airport landing.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN22LA097 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Jan 4, 2022
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Matagorda Island, Texas
- Nearest airport
- (N/A)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Aviat Aircraft Inc A-1B
- N-number
- N188DS
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 2005
- 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.