Probable cause
The pilot's improper landing flare, which resulted in the airplane bouncing and a subsequent loss of directional control, a runway excursion, and impact with a fence.
NTSB analysis
The pilot reported that, during touchdown, the tailwheel-equipped airplane bounced and veered right. He overcorrected with left rudder, and the airplane veered left, so he applied right rudder, but the airplane continued left. He then applied full power to go around, but the airplane departed the runway, struck a perimeter fence, and nosed over.
The airplane sustained substantial damage to the fuselage and wings.
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 GAA18CA522 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Sep 2, 2018
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Rexburg, Idaho
- Nearest airport
- Rexburg-Madison County (RXE)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Dusk
Piper PA 12
- N-number
- N4077M
- 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.