Probable cause
The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control during the landing roll.
NTSB analysis
The pilot of the tailwheel equipped airplane reported that while on final for the runway, about 10 ft above ground level, the airplane sank and hit the runway. Subsequently, the airplane veered to the left, exited the runway, and impacted trees before it came to rest nose low, adjacent to the runway. Both wings and the fuselage were substantially damaged.
The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. At the time of the accident, the pilot was landing on runway 9 and the wind was light and variable.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for WPR25LA141 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Apr 18, 2025
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Placerville, California
- Nearest airport
- Swansboro Country (01CL)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Luscombe 8
- N-number
- N1286B
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1947
- 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.