Amateur-built MURPHY SR 2500 N6161C accident near Challis, Idaho

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 he planned to land at the remote backcountry airstrip. Before landing, he performed a series of passes along an adjacent river to assess the runway conditions and then proceeded with the landing approach. After touchdown, while the airplane was in a 3-point attitude, the airplane began to drift to the left, and the pilot was unable to maintain directional control. The airplane exited the left side of the runway and impacted a fence before it came to rest upright.

The airplane sustained substantial damage to the empennage. The pilot reported no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airframe or engine that would have precluded normal operation.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for WPR25LA186 for the full record.