Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the landing roll.
NTSB analysis
The pilot reported that while on short final, he made note of the wind direction. After touchdown the wind direction changed and he attempted to adjust for the wind shift however, the airplane departed the right side of the runway, traversed on the dirt, and struck a ditch. The landing gear collapsed and the airplane came to a rest on its belly which substantially damaged the fuselage. The pilot reported no preimpact mechanical failures or malfunctions that would have precluded normal operation.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for WPR14CA202 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- May 16, 2014
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Tucson, Arizona
- Nearest airport
- Ryan Field Airport (RYN)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Piper J3C 65
- N-number
- N92090
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1946
- 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.