N18CHTHORP T182025-07-06 NTSB Accident Report

Substantial
None

THORP T18S/N: CH374

Summary

On July 06, 2025, a Thorp T18 (N18CH) was involved in an incident near Lake Elmo, MN. All 1 person aboard were uninjured. The aircraft sustained substantial damage.

The National Transportation Safety Board determined the probable cause of this incident to be: The pilot’s failure to maintain obstacle clearance during the go-around, that resulted in the tailwheel impacting a taxiway sign, a subsequent loss of control due to the damaged tailwheel, and a runway excursion during the landing.

This incident is documented in NTSB report CEN25LA246. AviatorDB cross-references NTSB investigation data with FAA registry records to provide comprehensive safety information for aircraft N18CH.

Accident Details

Date
Sunday, July 6, 2025
NTSB Number
CEN25LA246
Location
Lake Elmo, MN
Event ID
20250710200507
Coordinates
44.994399, -92.854130
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
Highest Injury
None
Fatalities
0
Serious Injuries
0
Minor Injuries
0
Uninjured
1
Total Aboard
1

Probable Cause and Findings

The pilot’s failure to maintain obstacle clearance during the go-around, that resulted in the tailwheel impacting a taxiway sign, a subsequent loss of control due to the damaged tailwheel, and a runway excursion during the landing.

Aircraft Information

Registration
Make
THORP
Serial Number
CH374
Engine Type
Reciprocating
Year Built
1974
Model / ICAO
T18T18
Aircraft Type
Fixed Wing Single Engine
No. of Engines
1
Seats
1
FAA Model
THORP T-18

Registered Owner (Current)

Name
HOOVER CHARLES
Address
7027 37TH ST N
City
OAKDALE
State / Zip Code
MN 55128-3340
Country
United States

Data Source

Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# CEN25LA246