Piper PA-25-235 N7523Z accident near Benton, Arkansas

Probable cause

The pilot’s failure to maintain control of the airplane while landing.

NTSB analysis

The pilot planned to complete two takeoffs and landings (touch-and-goes) followed by a full stop landing. He executed a go-around and a touch-and-go before the accident landing. After the airplane touched down during the accident landing, the airplane tail began to settle to the runway. The pilot responded by pulling the control stick aft. About 2-3 seconds later, the airplane began to pitch up and bank to the right. At that point, the pilot “realized that [he] was behind the aircraft.” He attempted to execute a go-around but lost control of the airplane, resulting in a runway excursion. The airplane came to rest in a ditch off the right side of the runway. The right wing sustained substantial damage. The pilot reported that there were no mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane before the accident.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN22LA161 for the full record.