ERA11CA315

Factual narrative

The pilot reported conducting a normal landing on the turf runway. However, immediately after landing, the airplane veered to the right and impacted a tree, damaging the right wing and fuselage. He further stated that it was "unlikely a mechanical problem" and that recent rains had made the turf runway soft. He also stated that the brake was not left on. An inspector with the Federal Aviation Administration examined the airplane and no preimpact mechanical anomalies were found. The pilot reported that he landed on a soft, turf runway. During the landing roll, the airplane veered to the right and struck a tree. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the right wing and fuselage. A postaccident examination of the airplane did not disclose any evidence of a mechanical malfunction. The pilot stated that the recent rains had made the turf runway soft. Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database Retrieved: 2026-02-12

NTSB Findings

FAA avdata. C = Cause, F = Factor.

• C Personnel issues-Task performance-Use of equip/info-Aircraft control-Pilot - C
• C Aircraft-Aircraft oper/perf/capability-Performance/control parameters-Directional control-Not attained/maintained - C
• — Environmental issues-Physical environment-Runway/land/takeoff/taxi surfa-Soft-Awareness of condition