Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain directional control on landing roll out.
NTSB analysis
The pilot entered left closed traffic, completed the before landing check, and extended the flaps to 10 degrees. He turned the airplane on base, final, and lowered the flaps to the full down position with a right cross wind. The pilot flared the airplane about 30 feet above the runway numbers and touched down on the runway. The airplane started to veer to the left and the pilot stated that he lost directional control of the airplane. The airplane went off the left side of the runway striking a runway light, continued into the grass, and collided with an embankment, receiving structural damage to the airframe. The pilot stated there were no mechanical problems with the airplane.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ERA09CA461 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Aug 11, 2009
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Rockingham, North Carolina
- Nearest airport
- Richmond County Airport (RCZ)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Diamond Aircraft Ind Inc DA 40
- N-number
- N817PA
- Category
- Airplane
- 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.