Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during landing, which resulted in a runway excursion and collision with a fence.
NTSB analysis
The pilot reported that during landing, the airplane bounced after touchdown. He applied full power to abort the landing and the airplane became airborne. The pilot then then changed his mind and landed the airplane on the remaining runway. After touching down the second time, the pilot was unable to maintain directional control and the airplane departed the runway surface and collided with a fence. The wing spar and empennage were substantially damaged.
The pilot reported that there were no mechanical anomalies with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for WPR20CA178 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Jun 9, 2020
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Santa Barbara, California
- Nearest airport
- Santa Barbara (SBA)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Cessna 172
- N-number
- N75989
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1976
- 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.