Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the landing roll.
NTSB analysis
During a practice landing, the pilot lost directional control on the landing roll and drifted towards the right. The pilot did not act in a timely manner to prevent the airplane from departing the runway surface and the airplane subsequently struck foliage and sustained substantial damage to the wing. The pilot reported no preimpact mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for WPR13CA357 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Aug 2, 2013
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Sonoma, California
- Nearest airport
- Sonoma Skypark (0Q9)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Champion 7EC
- N-number
- N4738E
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1950
- 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.