Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain directional control due to his foot slipping off one rudder pedal while braking.
NTSB analysis
The pilot reported that he made a wheel landing on the runway. He lowered the tail and started to apply the brakes when his right foot slipped off the rudder pedal. The plane veered left and he applied full left brake to avoid nosing into a drainage ditch head first. During this turn the tail wheel struck a boulder and the right wing tipped down and struck the ground.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for LAX08CA255 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Aug 3, 2008
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Grass Valley, California
- Nearest airport
- Grass Valley (KGOO)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Piper PA-20
- N-number
- N7635K
- Category
- Airplane
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Personal
Other records under this N-number
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.