Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain directional control of the airplane during landing.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot was conducting his first solo landing in the tailwheel-equipped airplane. He performed a three-point landing and, as the airplane slowed, the nose veered to the left. He applied right rudder to correct and the airplane began to roll to the right. The right landing gear collapsed and the right wing contacted the runway surface. Postaccident examination of the airplane by the Federal Aviation Administration inspector did not reveal any anomalies that would have precluded normal operation. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the right aileron.
Source record
Factual narrative
The pilot submitted a written statement. He had accrued 13 hours of flight time in the tailwheel-equipped airplane, and was conducting his first solo landing in it. He performed a three point landing and as the airplane slowed, the nose veered to the left. He applied right rudder to correct, and the airplane began to roll to the right. The right landing gear collapsed and the right wing contacted the runway surface. Post accident examination of the airplane by the Federal Aviation Administration inspector did not reveal any mechanical anomalies. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the right aileron.