Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the landing.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
According to the pilot-in-command, the airplane began to yaw to the right as he was advancing the power following a three-point landing. The airplane was heading toward a ditch that bordered the runway. The pilot indicated that he tried to correct the yaw but was too late. The airplane went through the ditch, over to the crossing runway, and came to rest in a wetland area, sustaining substantial left wing tip and empennage damage. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions with the airplane during the flight that would have precluded normal operation.
Source record
Factual narrative
According to the pilot in command, the airplane began to yaw to the right as power was being advanced following a three-point landing. The airplane heading was toward a ditch that bordered the runway. The pilot indicated that he tried to correct the "movement but was to late." The airplane went through that ditch, over to the crossing runway, and came to rest in a wetland area. The airplane sustained substantial left wing tip and empennage damage. The pilot reported that there were no mechanical malfunctions with the airplane during the flight.