Probable cause
The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control during the landing rollout, resulting in a ground loop and runway excursion.
NTSB analysis
The pilot of the tailwheel equipped airplane reported that during the landing rollout and as the airplane slowed, rudder inputs became less effective. The airplane began to veer to the left, then departed the left side of the runway and ground looped. The airplane struck a runway sign located approximately 30 ft from the runway, and the fuselage sustained substantial damage. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for WPR24LA107 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Mar 9, 2024
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Death Valley, California
- Nearest airport
- Furnace Creek (L06)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Piper PA-11
- N-number
- N78659
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1947
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Personal
Other records under this N-number
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.