Probable cause
The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control during the landing roll.
NTSB analysis
The pilot reported that after landing during the landing roll, the aircraft drifted to the left side of the runway. Airport video shows the airplane departed the left side of the runway. The pilot attempted to correct the drift with right rudder pedal input; however, the airplane ground looped to the right resulting in substantial damage to the fuselage. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ERA26LA315 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Aug 25, 2026
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Rural Retreat, Virginia
- Nearest airport
- Mountain Empire (MKJ)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Piper PA-22-150
- N-number
- N6157D
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1957
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Personal
Other records under this N-number
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.