Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the landing roll.
NTSB analysis
The pilot reported that, after a series of uneventful touch-and-go landings, he decided to perform a full stop landing. As he transitioned from the landing to the ground roll, he applied pressure to the foot brakes, and the airplane swerved and departed the runway. The left wing impacted the ground and was substantially damaged along with the aft fuselage structure. The pilot reported no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for WPR13CA150 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Mar 13, 2013
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Madera, California
- Nearest airport
- Madera (KMAE)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Luscombe 8A
- N-number
- N1544K
- 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.