Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control during landing.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot stated that he was performing a full-stop landing on runway 24. After touchdown, the tailwheel-equipped airplane rolled approximately 100 feet and turned to the left. The pilot corrected with right rudder and brake, but the airplane continued to the left and departed the left side of the runway. The propeller dug into the soil and the airplane nosed over, incurring substantial damage to the top wing, vertical stabilizer and rudder. The pilot did not report any mechanical malfunctions with the airplane prior to the accident. The wind reported about the time of the accident was from 220 degrees at 7 knots.
Source record
Factual narrative
The pilot stated that he was performing a full stop landing on runway 24. After touchdown, the tailwheel airplane rolled approximately 100 feet and turned to the left. The pilot corrected with right rudder and brake, but the airplane continued to the left and departed the left side of the runway. The propeller dug into the soil and the airplane nosed over, incurring substantial damage to the top wing, vertical stabilizer and rudder. The pilot did not report any mechanical malfunctions with the airplane prior to the accident. The wind reported about the time of the accident was from 220 degrees at 7 knots.