Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot's failure to stop the airplane within the available runway after touchdown. Contributing to the accident were the failure of the flap system as reported by the pilot and the damp grass.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
While landing on an unimproved-turf airstrip, the pilot of the amateur-built airplane attempted to lower the flaps using the electric flap switch. He noted no extension of the flaps and re-cycled the switch. The flaps did not extend and the pilot decided to conduct a no-flap landing. The pilot stated that he made a "low approach to limit glide slope and maintained about 90 kias [knots indicated airspeed]." The airplane touched down in the first 1/3 of the runway, with the main landing gear contacting the ground first. The pilot pulled the control stick aft, allowing the tailwheel to contact the ground, and applied full brakes to slow the airplane. The airplane began sliding on the damp grass and impacted trees at the end of the runway, substantially damaging the left wing. Examination of the airplane by a Federal Aviation Administration inspector did not reveal evidence of any preimpact failures or malfunctions with the airplane.
Source record
Factual narrative
While landing on an unimproved turf airstrip, the pilot of the amateur-built Vans RV-7 attempted to lower the flaps using the electric flap switch. He noted no extension of the flaps, and re-cycled the switch. The flaps did not extend and the pilot decided to conduct a no-flap landing. The pilot stated he made a "low approach to limit glide slope and maintained about 90 kias." The airplane touched down in the first 1/3 of the runway, with the main landing gear contacting the ground first. The pilot pulled the control stick aft, allowing the tailwheel to contact the ground, and applied full brakes to slow the airplane. The airplane began sliding on the damp grass and impacted trees at the end of the runway, substantially damaging the left wing. Examination of the airplane by a Federal Aviation Administration inspector did not reveal evidence of any preimpact failures or malfunctions with the airplane.