Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the landing roll.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot was practicing landings during a proficiency check ride. He was doing a wheel landing and noticed another airplane holding short for takeoff. He tried to expedite clearing the runway at the A-4 taxiway before reaching a speed slow enough to allow for a safe exit from the runway. He hit the brakes hard and lost directional control. The airplane skidded off the runway, and the tail hit the taxiway sign. The rear fuselage and empennage sustained substantial damage.
Source record
Factual narrative
The pilot was practicing landings during a proficiency check ride. He was doing a wheel landing, and noticed another airplane holding short. He stated that he tried to expedite clearing the runway at the A-4 taxiway before reaching a speed slow enough to allow for a safe exit from the runway. He hit the brakes hard; the airplane skidded off the runway and the tail hit the taxiway sign. The rear fuselage and empennage sustained substantial damage.