Aviation Accident Summaries

Aviation Accident Summary GAA17CA391

Ferguson, FL, USA

Aircraft #1

N157WB

AMERICAN CHAMPION AIRCRAFT 8KCAB

Analysis

The pilot reported that, during the landing roll on the grass runway, the airplane began to veer to the right before the tailwheel was down. He added that he applied left rudder; however, the airplane pitched forward, and the propeller struck the ground. Subsequently, the airplane came to rest inverted off the right side of the grass runway. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the empennage and right wing lift strut. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. The automated weather observation system about 3 nautical miles from the accident site reported that, about the time of the accident, the wind was from 220° at 10 knots. The pilot landed on runway 18.

Factual Information

The pilot reported that, during the landing roll on the grass runway, the airplane began to veer to the right before the tailwheel was down. He added that he applied left rudder; however, the airplane pitched forward and the propeller struck the ground. Subsequently, the airplane came to rest inverted off the right side of the grass runway. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the empennage and right wing lift strut. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. The automated weather observation system about 3 nautical miles from the accident site, about the time of the accident, reported the wind from 220° at 10 knots. The pilot landed on runway 18.

Probable Cause and Findings

The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control during the landing roll in crosswind conditions.

 

Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database

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