Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain control of the airplane while landing in gusting wind conditions.
NTSB analysis
The pilot of the tailwheel-equipped airplane reported that after making a 3-point landing on the airport’s paved runway a gust of wind, “turned [the airplane] towards a ditch.” The pilot pressed on the brakes “hard” to prevent going into the ditch and the airplane nosed over, resulting in substantial damage to the left wing and vertical stabilizer. The pilot reported that there were no mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ERA23LA226 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- May 9, 2023
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Frenchville, Maine
- Nearest airport
- Northern Aroostook Rgnl (FVE)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Silvaire LUSCOMBE 8F
- N-number
- N1885B
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1948
- 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.