Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control during landing rollout. Contributing to the accident was flight control interference by the passenger.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot reported that he was landing the tailwheel-equipped airplane when he lost control and veered off the runway. He stated that the three-point landing was “textbook” and on the runway centerline; however, during the rollout the airplane veered to the left. The pilot attempted to regain control of the airplane by applying rudder inputs but was not successful. The airplane exited the runway; the right main landing gear separated and the right wing then impacted the ground. The pilot reported that after the accident the passenger told him that he applied rudder during the landing to help the pilot. The pilot stated that in the future he would be more assertive whenever there was someone with access to controls as to who is the actual manipulator of the controls.
Source record
Factual narrative
The pilot reported that he was landing a tail wheel equipped airplane when he lost control and veered off the runway. He stated the three-point landing was “textbook” and on the runway centerline; however, during the roll-out the airplane veered to the left. The pilot attempted to regain control of the airplane by applying rudder inputs but was not successful. The airplane exited the runway and the right main landing gear separated and the right wing impacted the ground. The pilot reported that after the accident the passenger told him that he applied rudder during the landing to help the pilot. The pilot stated that in the future he would be more assertive whenever there was someone with access to controls as to who is the actual manipulator of the controls.