Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the landing roll.
NTSB analysis
The pilot reported that he had not flown for several years and had just received training from a certified flight instructor. During his first solo flight since the training, he was conducting touch-and-go takeoffs and landings. On the fourth landing, the airplane veered off the runway to the left side and ground-looped. After departing the runway, the airplane impacted a metal obstruction with the left landing gear, substantially damaging the tubular fuselage structure.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for WPR11LA371 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Aug 2, 2011
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Republic, Washington
- Nearest airport
- Ferry County Airport (R49)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Amateur-built KOLB TWINSTAR III
- N-number
- N3135J
- 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.