Pilot Debrief

ZLIN AVIATION SRO SAVAGE CUB-S near Young, AZ — 2026-03-20

Final reportWPR26LA134
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Date
2026-03-20
Location
Young, AZ, USA
Aircraft
ZLIN AVIATION SRO SAVAGE CUB-S
Registration
N9111
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

The pilot’s failure to maintain adequate clearance from trees during landing.

NTSB narrative

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.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • Photos
  • 3 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents3

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