Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot's improper landing flare and touchdown, which resulted in a bounced landing and loss of directional control and the airplane's subsequent impact with a snowbank and ground loop during an attempted go-around.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot reported that, while on the base leg, he decided to perform a three-point landing with "2 notches of flaps." During the landing flare, the pilot realized the airplane was a "bit high," so he moved the flaps to the fourth notch to avoid bouncing during the landing. The tailwheel touched down first, and the airplane then bounced on its main landing gear and drifted right. The pilot attempted to correct by adding power and initiating a go-around, but the right main landing gear contacted a snowbank on the edge of the runway, and the airplane ground looped and then came to rest on its nose. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the left wing. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Source record
Factual narrative
The pilot of a tailwheel-equipped airplane reported that while on the base leg, he decided to perform a three-point landing and applied "2 notches of flaps." During the landing flare, the pilot moved the flaps to the 4th notch to avoid bouncing during the landing. Upon touchdown, the airplane's tailwheel landed first; the airplane bounced on its main landing gear and drifted to the right. The pilot attempted to correct by adding power and initiating a go-around. Subsequently, the right main landing gear contacted a snow bank on the edge of the runway, the airplane ground looped and came to rest on its nose. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the left wing. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.