Probable cause
The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control during the landing roll and his subsequent inability to recover due to his foot being stuck.
NTSB analysis
The pilot of the tailwheel-equipped airplane reported that, during the landing roll, the airplane veered right. He added that he was unable to correct with left rudder because his foot had become stuck under the left rudder pedal. The airplane exited the runway to the right, impacted a ditch, and came to rest inverted.
The airplane sustained substantial damage to the left wing and empennage.
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 GAA18CA372 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Jun 22, 2018
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Hamilton, Montana
- Nearest airport
- Ravalli County (6S5)
- Highest injury
- Minor
- Minor injuries
- 1
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Beech D17
- N-number
- N61862
- Category
- Airplane
- 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.