Probable cause
The pilot’s failure to remove the tow bar before flight.
NTSB analysis
After departure, the pilot noticed the landing gear position indicator light did not show that the landing gear was retracted and the circuit breaker was tripped. He cycled the circuit breaker a few times and it kept tripping. The pilot then diverted to an airport where he normally had maintenance performed on his airplane. While landing, the airplane veered sharply to the right and went through a ditch which resulted in substantial damage to the empennage. After the accident, it was discovered the pilot had forgotten to remove the tow bar he used to pull the airplane out of the hangar.
The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN25LA361 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Sep 2, 2025
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Caro, Michigan
- Nearest airport
- Tuscola Area (CFS)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Piper PA-30
- N-number
- N26RJ
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1969
- 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.