Probable cause
The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control while landing.
NTSB analysis
The pilot of the tailwheel-equipped airplane stated that she encountered a “thermal” while attempting to land, which deflected the tail of the airplane off the runway centerline. As she was attempting to realign the airplane, it departed the right side of the runway and impacted a concrete drainage culvert, which resulted in substantial damage to the fuselage. The pilot reported that there were no mechanical malfunctions or failures that contributed to the accident.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ERA25LA140 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Feb 28, 2025
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Arcadia, Florida
- Nearest airport
- Arcadia Muni (X06)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Cessna 120
- N-number
- N3080N
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1947
- 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.