Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control during the landing roll.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
During landing roll, the pilot applied brakes, and the tailwheel-equipped airplane veered to the right. Despite the pilot’s control inputs, the airplane continued to veer to the right, exited the runway surface, and came to rest nose down on soft terrain. The pilot initially reported that the airplane’s brakes were operating incorrectly; however, he later reported that there was nothing wrong with the brakes. Examination of the airplane revealed that the landing gear box sustained substantial damage. Further examination of the braking system revealed no mechanical anomalies that would have precluded normal operation.
Source record
Factual narrative
During landing roll, the pilot applied brakes and the tailwheel equipped airplane veered to the right. Despite the pilot’s control inputs, the airplane continued to veer to the right, exited the runway surface, and came to rest nose low on soft terrain. The pilot initially reported that the airplane’s brakes were operating incorrectly; however, he later reported to a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspector that there was nothing wrong with the brakes. Examination of the airplane by an FAA inspector revealed that the landing gear box sustained substantial damage. Further examination of the braking system revealed no mechanical anomalies that would have precluded normal operation.