Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain directional control upon landing, which resulted in a runway excursion followed by impact with terrain.
NTSB analysis
The pilot of the tailwheel-equipped airplane reported that he made a normal three-point landing, shortly after touchdown the airplane veered to the left, then veered to the right. The pilot further reported that he applied power in an attempt to regain control, however the airplane veered back to the left and he reduced power as the airplane departed the runway. The airplane ground looped and the right wing impacted terrain causing substantial damage to the right aileron.
The pilot reported 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 GAA16CA344 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Jun 25, 2016
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Fitchburg, Massachusetts
- Nearest airport
- Fitchburg Muni (FIT)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Amateur-built RV-4
- N-number
- N3446
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 2012
- 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.