Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain direction control during the landing roll, which resulted in runway excursion, and collision with a fence.
NTSB analysis
The pilot of the tailwheel equipped airplane reported that during the landing roll in gusty wind conditions, the airplane veered off the runway to the left, despite him "standing" on the right brake with full right rudder applied. The pilot further reported that he did not apply enough back pressure to enable the tailwheel steering to lock. The airplane ground looped, and slid into a fence. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the fuselage.
According to the pilot there were no preimpact mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airframe or engine that would have precluded normal operation.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for GAA16CA144 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Mar 2, 2016
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Clinton, Arkansas
- Nearest airport
- Holley Mountain Airpark (2A2)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Cessna 195
- N-number
- N3869V
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1949
- 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.