Cessna 170B N8261A accident near Ramona, California

Probable cause

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

NTSB analysis

The pilot of the tailwheel-equipped airplane was performing the last approach after a series of touch-and-go takeoffs and landings. The airplane bounced after the main wheels touched the runway, and veered to the left. The pilot applied rudder and aileron control inputs; however, the airplane continued to pull to the left. As the airplane approached the runway edge, the pilot applied the brakes, but the airplane departed the runway and nosed over. The airplane sustained substantial damage to both wings and the aft fuselage structure during the accident sequence. The pilot reported no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. She further stated that the accident could have been avoided if she had reacted to the divergence sooner and applied full aft elevator control during the roll.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for WPR12CA011 for the full record.