Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during landing.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot reported that during the landing roll in a tailwheel-equipped airplane, everything was normal until the tailwheel touched the ground and the airplane began to veer to the right. Despite the pilot's control inputs, the airplane continued to veer to the right, exited the runway, and came to rest upright. Examination of the airplane by the pilot revealed that the fuselage gear box was structurally damaged. The pilot reported no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Source record
Factual narrative
The pilot reported that during the landing roll in a tailwheel-equipped airplane, everything was normal until the tailwheel touched the ground and the airplane began to veer to the right. Despite the pilot's control inputs, the airplane continued to veer to the right, exited the runway, and came to rest upright. Examination of the airplane by the pilot revealed that the fuselage gear box was structurally damaged. The pilot reported no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.