Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control of the airplane during the landing rollout.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot completed three orbits above the airfield before attempting to land on runway 28. During the landing the airplane became unstable. The pilot applied rapid deflections of the rudder and kept the airplane straight momentarily, but ultimately it continued veering to the left. He applied full right rudder, full right brake , and power. In the process, the airplane “tipped forward” onto the right main landing gear and rolled onto the right wing tip. The propeller contacted the runway several times before the airplane exited the left side of the runway at about a 70-degree angle and nosed over. The pilot stated that there were no mechanical difficulties with the airplane. Wind at the time was from the southwest at approximately 7 knots.
Source record
Factual narrative
The pilot completed three orbits above the airfield before attempting to land on runway 28. During the landing, the airplane became unstable. The pilot applied rapid deflections of the rudder and kept the airplane straight momentarily, but ultimately, it continued veering to the left. He applied full right rudder, full right break, and power. In the process, the airplane “tipped forward” onto the right main landing gear and rolled onto the right wingtip. The propeller contacted the runway several times before the airplane exited the left side of the runway at about a 70 degree angle, and nosed over. The pilot stated that there were no mechanical difficulties with the airplane. Wind at the time was from the south west approximately 7 knots.