Stinson 108-3 N230SS accident near Bridgeport, California

Probable cause

The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control during the landing roll.

NTSB analysis

The pilot reported that, while nearing the destination airport, he listened to the automated weather which indicated wind from the north at 3-4 knots. The pilot also noted that the windsock on the northern end of the airport was limp. During landing, as the main wheels touched down, the pilot applied slight nose forward pressure on the yoke. Shortly thereafter, the right wing lifted rapidly and the pilot added right aileron and increased power in an attempt to regain control and perform a go-around. The airplane started to veer to the left side of the runway and the pilot reduced the power. The airplane exited the left side of the runway, proceeded through a fence, and entered a ditch. The airplane slid along the ditch until it came to rest perpendicular to the runway. The pilot reported no mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airframe or engine prior to the accident.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for WPR10CA391 for the full record.