Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the landing roll, resulting in a runway excursion and a collision with an object.
NTSB analysis
The pilot reported that during the landing roll, the airplane "went into a ground loop with the nose of the aircraft pointing to the right." He stated that the airplane departed the runway to the right and impacted a runway sign. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the fuselage and left wing.
The pilot reported there were no pre-impact mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airframe or engine that would have precluded normal operation.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for GAA15CA249 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Aug 20, 2015
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Tucson, Arizona
- Nearest airport
- Tucson Intl (TUS)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Stinson L 5E
- N-number
- N944LB
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1944
- 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.