Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot's improper landing flare and recovery from a bounced landing.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
During the landing flare, the pilot misjudged his height above the runway, resulting in a higher-than-normal flare and a harder-than-normal touchdown. Immediately after the airplane made contact with the runway, it began to veer from side to side, and the pilot was unable to maintain directional control. According to the pilot, there were no issues with the rudder or the tailwheel steering systems, but he did feel that the glare from bright sun that he was landing toward had contributed to his abnormal flare height.
Source record
Factual narrative
During the landing flare, the pilot misjudged his height above the runway, resulting in a higher than normal flare, and a harder than normal touchdown. Immediately after the airplane made contact with the runway, it began to veer from side to side, and the pilot was unable to maintain directional control. According to the pilot, there were no issues with the rudder or the tail wheel steering systems, but he did feel that the glare from bright sun that he was landing toward had contributed to his abnormal flare height.