Probable cause
The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control during landing.
NTSB analysis
The pilot of the tailwheel-equipped airplane reported that, during landing, the airplane veered right, he applied left rudder to correct, but the airplane exited the runway to the right and impacted a ditch.
The pilot added that he thought that he had become too relaxed and was "not on his game" during the landing.
The airplane sustained substantial damage to the fuselage.
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 GAA18CA456 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Jul 30, 2018
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Pottsville, Pennsylvania
- Nearest airport
- Schuylkill County/Joe Zerbey (ZER)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Luscombe 8
- N-number
- N2022K
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1947
- 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.