Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during an off- airport landing.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The commercial pilot was practicing landings at a local airport when he departed the airport, and flew a few miles away to attempt an off-airport landing on a ridge. He said that during the landing, the airplane veered to the left, and the propeller and left wing struck the ground. During the initial interview with the National Transportation Safety Board investigator-in-charge, the pilot reported that the left tire went flat in the air prior to the landing, but in a subsequent written statement he reported that he should have done more practice at the airport before attempting an off-airport landing. He said that there were no known mechanical problems with the airplane prior to the accident. The left wing received substantial damage during the accident.
Source record
Factual narrative
The commercial pilot was practicing landings at a local airport when he departed the airport, and flew a few miles away to attempt an off-airport landing on a ridge. He said that during the landing, the airplane veered to the left, and the propeller and left wing struck the ground. During the initial interview with the National Transportation Safety Board investigator-in-charge, the pilot reported that the left tire went flat in the air prior to the landing, but in a subsequent written statement he reported that he should have done more practice at the airport before attempting an off-airport landing. He said that there were no known mechanical problems with the airplane prior to the accident. The left wing received substantial damage during the accident.