Probable cause
The pilot’s failure to maintain adequate clearance from trees during landing.
NTSB analysis
During a cross-country flight, the pilot chose to land the airplane in an unimproved grassy meadow located in mountainous terrain. The pilot conducted a low approach to visually assess the landing area before the landing attempt.
The pilot stated that the airplane touched down with a higher-than-anticipated ground speed, and began to drift left during the landing rollout. The airplane subsequently impacted a juniper tree and ground looped to the left, which resulted in substantial damage to the right wing.
The pilot reported no pre-accident mechanical failures or anomalies that would have precluded normal operation of the airplane.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for WPR26LA134 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Mar 20, 2026
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Young, Arizona
- Nearest airport
- Mountain Meadow
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Zlin Aviation Sro SAVAGE CUB-S
- N-number
- N9111
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 2013
- 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.