Probable cause
The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control during landing, which resulted in a runway excursion and subsequent impact with vegetation.
NTSB analysis
The pilot of the tailwheel-equipped airplane reported that, during the landing roll, the airplane drifted to the right and exited the runway. Upon exiting the runway, the right wing contacted soybean plants, the airplane ground looped and the left wing impacted the ground, which resulted in substantial damage.
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 CEN23LA300 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Jul 12, 2023
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Hertford, North Carolina
- Nearest airport
- Abe Godfrey Private (PVT)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Amateur-built II
- N-number
- N827JA
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 2006
- 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.