Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the landing roll which resulted in a runway excursion and collision with a ditch.
NTSB analysis
The pilot of the tail wheel-equipped airplane reported that, during the landing roll with a crosswind, the airplane began to swerve right as the tail wheel touched the ground. The airplane then veered off the right side of the runway and collided with a ditch. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the fuselage just above the right main gear attachment. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN22LA372 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Jul 28, 2022
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Talkeetna, Alaska
- Nearest airport
- Talkeetna (PATK)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Dehavilland DHC-3
- N-number
- N320KT
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1955
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 135 (charter and commuter)
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.