Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the landing rollout.
NTSB analysis
The pilot said that the airplane "became uncontrollable" during the landing rollout. The airplane subsequently exited the left side of the runway, struck a tree, and came to rest in a ditch. The pilot further stated that the runway was "watery and soft." Examination of the wreckage by a Federal Aviation Administration inspector did not reveal any preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions. The airplane sustained substantial damage to both wings. The nearest weather reporting facility, located approximately 25 nautical miles north of the accident location, reported winds from 140 degrees at 10 knots about the time of the accident.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ERA10CA078 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Nov 22, 2009
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Panancea, Florida
- Nearest airport
- Wakulla County Airport (2J0)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Cessna 172
- N-number
- N35638
- 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.