Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during landing, which resulted in a runway excursion.
NTSB analysis
The pilot was landing the tailwheel-equipped airplane when it veered into the grass left of the runway and the left wing impacted a windsock pole. The airplane ground looped to the left and the right main landing gear collapsed, resulting in substantial damage. Examination of the airplane revealed no evidence of preimpact failure or malfunction that would have precluded normal operation of the rudder pedals or brakes. The circumstances of the accident are consistent with the pilot’s failure to maintain directional control during landing.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ERA17LA262 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Jul 20, 2017
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Gilbert, South Carolina
- Nearest airport
- Whiteplains (SC99)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Aeronca 11BC
- N-number
- N3154E
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1946
- 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.