Probable cause
The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control during the landing roll.
NTSB analysis
The pilot reported that, during the landing roll, the tailwheel-equipped airplane suddenly started a "sharp skid" to the left. He added that the airplane exited the left side of the runway, struck a large runway light box, and the left landing gear collapsed. Subsequently, the airplane came to rest nose down.
The airplane sustained substantial damage to the left wing lift strut.
The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for GAA18CA188 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Mar 30, 2018
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Nampa, Idaho
- Nearest airport
- Nampa Muni (MAN)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Piper J3C
- N-number
- N24751
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1939
- 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.