Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain directional control on landing. Contributing to the accident was the touch down in a slide-slip.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot reported that he was involved in a biplane fly-in that was going on at the time of the accident. According to a Federal Aviation Administration inspector, witnesses observed the airplane in a left side-slip during landing. The airplane subsequently touched down in the side-slip on the left wheel. The pilot applied full right rudder to compensate, then right brake to straighten out the airplane; however, the left landing gear strut collapsed, and the airplane entered into a slow speed ground loop, substantially damaging the lower wing. The pilot stated there were no pre-impact mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal flight.
Source record
Factual narrative
The pilot reported that he was involved in a bi-wing fly-in that was going on at the time of the accident. According to a Federal Aviation Administration inspector, witnesses observed the pilot enter into a side-slip to the left during landing and the airplane touched down in the side-slip on the left wheel. The pilot stated that the airplane was turning left after touchdown and he applied full right rudder to compensate, then right brake to straighten the airplane out. The airplane subsequently changed direction, the left landing gear strut collapsed, and the airplane entered into a slow speed ground loop. There was substantial damage to the lower wing, damage to the propeller, and the landing gear. The pilot reported no pre-impact mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal flight.