Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the landing roll, which resulted in a runway excursion.
NTSB analysis
The pilot of the tailwheel equipped airplane reported that the airplane touched down on the numbers of the runway with excess airspeed, bounced, and then veered off the runway.
The airport director provided video surveillance of the landing. The video showed the airplane near the runway aiming point markings, about 1,000 feet from the runway threshold, veer to the left and impact a ditch between the runway and the parallel taxiway.
The airplane sustained substantial damage to the fuselage and right wing.
The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airframe or engine that would have precluded normal operation.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for GAA17CA015 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Oct 6, 2016
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Rifle, Colorado
- Nearest airport
- Garfield County Rgnl (RIL)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Stinson 108
- N-number
- N4210C
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1948
- 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.