N427LM

On May 28, 2000, at 1700 central daylight time, N427LM, a Hard Capella XLS amateur-built experimental airplane, was substantially damaged following a loss of control during the landing roll at the Taylor Municipal Airport, Taylor, Texas. The private pilot, who was the registered owner and sole occupant of the airplane, was not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight, for which no flight plan was filed. The flight originated, approximately 30 minutes prior to the accident, from the Taylor Municipal Airport.

On the NTSB Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report (NTSB Form 6120.1/2) and a in telephone interview conducted by the investigator-in-charge, the pilot stated that he was attempting a short-field landing to runway 17. During the landing roll, the pilot lost directional control of the tail-wheel equipped airplane resulting in a "tight ground loop to the left." The pilot attempted to stop the turn with opposite rudder and braking. Subsequently, the airplane exited the left side of the 150-foot wide runway, collapsing the right main landing gear, and came to rest upright.

According to the FAA inspector who examined the airplane, the right main landing gear separated from its attaching point, and the lift strut for the right wing separated at the fuselage attaching point.

The pilot had accumulated a total of 3 hours in the airplane make and model.