Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the landing roll
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The passenger in the tailwheel equipped airplane reported that, while the pilot was practicing a touch-and-go landing, the airplane touched down, and immediately veered right. The passenger believed that the pilot “froze” on the controls, so the passenger attempted to “intervene,” but the airplane continued to veer right. The airplane exited the runway and collided with terrain. The lower fuselage was substantially damaged. The director of maintenance reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.