Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain directional control. Factors were an unreliable airspeed indicator and excessive landing approach airspeed.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot stated the airspeed indicator 'never indicated as much as 75 miles per hour' and, as a result, the landing approach was made with excessive speed. The pilot said after the airplane touched down, it started swerving and he over-controlled. The airplane departed the right side of the runway, went down a small hill, struck an embankment, and nosed over.
Source record
Factual narrative
On June 17, 1994, approximately 0940 mountain daylight time, N76DG, a Gamble BD-4, was substantially damaged during landing at Leadville, Colorado. The commercial pilot sustained minor injuries. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed. The following is based on the pilot/operator report. The pilot said the airspeed indicator "never indicated as much as 75 miles per hour" and, as a result, the landing approach was made with excessive speed. He stated that after the airplane touched down, it started swerving and he over-controlled. The airplane went off the right side of the runway, down a small hill, struck an embankment, and nosed over. The following is based on written witness statements, including a telephone interview with the Leadville Airport manager. This was the first flight of the homebuilt airplane. The pilot took off on runway 34, climbed to about 1,500 to 2,000 feet AGL, and circled the airport four or five times. The landing approach was too low and the pilot had to carry power. The airplane touched down, veered off the right side of the runway, and nosed over. -