Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the landing roll.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
According to the pilot, his first landing was successful; however, during the second landing, the airplane veered to the right. His attempts to correct using the rudder, brakes and increased power were unsuccessful. The airplane departed the runway, collided with a drainage ditch, and came to rest inverted. Substantial crushing damage was sustained to the airplane's upper wings. An examination of the airplane's braking system by a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspector did not reveal any anomalies. In an interview with the FAA inspector, the passenger seated in the front seat stated that he had placed his feet away from the airplane's rudder pedals and brakes and to his knowledge had not interfered with the airplane brakes.
Source record
Factual narrative
While landing for the second time on the local flight, the airplane immediately veered to the right. The pilot attempted to correct the airplane's ground track by the use of rudder and brakes. After attempting to correct the ground track through the use of increased engine power, the pilot chose to bring the airplane to a stop. The airplane departed the runway, collided with a drainage ditch, and came to rest inverted. Substantial crushing damage was sustained to the airplane's upper wings. An examination of the airplane's braking system by a responding Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspector did not reveal any anomalies. In an interview with the FAA inspector, the passenger seated in the front seat stated that he had placed his feet away from the airplane's rudder pedals and brakes and to his knowledge had not interfered with the airplane brakes.