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, during the landing roll, the airplane veered to the right. He added that he attempted to correct the veer but was unsuccessful. The airplane continued to the right and exited the runway. During the runway excursion, the airplane nosed over.
The airplane sustained substantial damage to the right forward lift strut and empennage.
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 GAA17CA071 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Nov 14, 2016
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Lincoln, California
- Nearest airport
- Lincoln Rgnl/Karl Harder Field (LHM)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Cessna 120
- N-number
- N120MD
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1946
- 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.