Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the landing roll, resulting in a nose over and substantial damage to the airplane.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The private pilot reported he was landing his homebuilt, tailwheel-equipped airplane on a hard-surfaced dry runway, at the conclusion of a Title 14, Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight. The pilot reported that during the landing roll, a gust of wind pushed the airplane’s tail to the right, and the airplane swerved to the left. The airplane continued off the left side of the runway and nosed over, sustaining substantial damage to the wings, fuselage, and empennage. Witnesses reported variable winds at the time of the accident. The pilot indicated that there were no preaccident mechanical problems with the airplane, and noted in his report to the NTSB that he should have flown with an instructor before attempting a landing at the accident airport.
Source record
Factual narrative
The private pilot reported he was landing his homebuilt, tailwheel-equipped airplane on a hard-surfaced dry runway, at the conclusion of a Title 14, Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight. The pilot reported that during the landing roll, a gust of wind pushed the airplane’s tail to the right, and the airplane swerved to the left. The airplane continued off the left side of the runway and nosed over, sustaining substantial damage to the wings, fuselage, and empennage. Witnesses reported variable winds at the time of the accident. The pilot indicated that there were no preaccident mechanical problems with the airplane, and noted in his report to the NTSB that he should have flown with an instructor before attempting a landing at the accident airport.