Probable cause
The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control during the landing roll.
NTSB analysis
The pilot was landing the tailwheel-equipped airplane and stated that it bounced before settling back onto the runway. The airplane then turned “sharply” to the right, so the pilot attempted to use rudder, brake, and aileron inputs in attempt to regain control. The airplane subsequently departed the right side of the runway before coming to rest facing the opposite direction of the landing. The airplane’s left wing was substantially damaged during the accident sequence. The pilot stated that there were no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures of the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ERA24LA374 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Jun 16, 2024
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Smithfield, North Carolina
- Nearest airport
- Johnston Regional Airport (JNX)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Cessna 170B
- N-number
- N2257D
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1952
- 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.