Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain directional control of the airplane during the landing.
NTSB analysis
The pilot was recovering from a recent illness and described that after hand-propping the tailwheel-equipped airplane’s engine to start it, he had become extremely tired. Later during the flight, he realized that he was too tired to continue and returned to the departure airport to land. During the landing he lost control of the airplane. In addition to the landing gear, the airplane’s left wing and fuselage were substantially damaged during the accident. The pilot stated that there were no mechanical malfunctions or failures of the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ERA21LA084 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Dec 9, 2020
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Blountstown, Florida
- Nearest airport
- Calhoun County (F95)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Amateur-built SUPER CHIEF
- N-number
- N706SF
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 2008
- 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.