Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain directional control.
NTSB analysis
The pilot was attempting to land the tailwheel equipped airplane on an upsloping runway. The airplane touched down normally on the asphalt runway surface. During the landing roll the airplane began to ground loop. The pilot added power in an effort to recover and the airplane continued off the runway surface and encountered a ditch, incurring damage to the left fuselage structure. The pilot reported no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airframe or engine. He added that the wind conditions were light and variable.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for LAX08CA114 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Apr 17, 2008
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Grass Valley, California
- Nearest airport
- Nevada County Air Park (GOO)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Amateur-built Rebel
- N-number
- N3VK
- 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.