Probable cause
The pilot did not maintain directional control of the airplane during landing, which resulted in a runway excursion.
NTSB analysis
According to the operator, the pilot performed a normal landing in the tailwheel-equipped airplane. During the rollout, the airplane began to veer to the left, and the pilot attempted unsuccessfully to arrest the turn by applying right rudder and right brake. The airplane continued off the left side of the runway and struck a ditch, resulting in substantial damage to the right wing. Postaccident examination of the wreckage did not reveal any preexisting mechanical anomalies with the airplane.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ERA12CA116 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Oct 8, 2011
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Starkville, Mississippi
- Nearest airport
- Starkville Bryan Field (STF)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Cessna 188
- N-number
- N5424E
- Category
- Airplane
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Flight test
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.