Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during landing which resulted in the airplane veering off the runway and nosing over.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot reported that after an approximate one-hour flight, he returned back to the departure airport, which is where the airplane was based. He configured the airplane for a three-point landing and touched down about 300 feet after the runway threshold. Upon touchdown, the airplane immediately began to veer to the right. The airplane continued off the runway surface and nosed over, coming to rest inverted. During the accident sequence, the vertical stabilizer and rudder were substantially damaged. The pilot reported no pre impact mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation.
Source record
Factual narrative
The pilot reported that after an approximate one-hour flight, he returned back to the departure airport, which is where the airplane was based. He configured the airplane for a three-point landing and touched down about 300 feet after the runway threshold. Upon touchdown, the airplane immediately began to veer to the right. The airplane continued off the runway surface and nosed over, coming to rest inverted. During the accident sequence, the vertical stabilizer and rudder were substantially damaged. The pilot reported no pre impact mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation.