Probable cause
The pilot's inadequate directional control during landing, which resulted in a runway excursion.
NTSB analysis
The pilot reported that, during approach, as the airplane crossed the runway threshold, he reduced engine power, and the airplane experienced a severe sink. Upon touchdown, the airplane veered left, and the pilot applied the right rudder pedal; however, the airplane continued off the left side of the runway into a ditch and came to rest upright. During the accident sequence, the airplane's left main landing gear collapsed, which resulted in substantial damage to the lower fuselage and left wing. Examination of the wreckage did not reveal any preimpact mechanical malfunctions.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ERA12CA075 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Nov 18, 2011
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Pine Mountain, Georgia
- Nearest airport
- Harris County Airport (PIM)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Bellanca 17-30A
- N-number
- N39836
- 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.