Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the landing on a road in crosswind conditions, which resulted in the airplane exiting the road and subsequently nosing over.
NTSB analysis
The pilot of the tailwheel-equipped airplane reported that he was concerned about the condition of the landing and taxi surfaces of the private, grass airstrip due to heavy rainfall. He overflew the field but was unable to determine the condition. He determined that it would be safer to land on a road perpendicular to the runway. Upon landing on the road, the airplane suddenly veered right. The pilot applied opposite rudder, but the airplane exited the road and nosed over.
The airplane sustained substantial damage to the left wing lift strut and rudder.
The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
The pilot reported that the wind was from 360° at 7 knots. The pilot was landing the airplane to the west.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for GAA19CA317 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Jun 5, 2019
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Paducah, Texas
- Nearest airport
- Paducah (2TS5)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Piper PA 11
- N-number
- N78641
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1947
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Positioning
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.