Summary
On January 21, 2009, a Dickson Vans Aircraft RV-8 (N396JD) was involved in an incident near El Monte, CA. All 2 people aboard were uninjured. The aircraft sustained substantial damage.
The National Transportation Safety Board determined the probable cause of this incident to be: The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during landing.
In a written statement, the pilot reported that following eight full-stop practice takeoffs and landings he departed from his home airport. The approach to the destination airport was uneventful and the wind condition was calm. The airplane touched down and a small bounce ensued. As the tail began to lower, the pilot applied brakes in an attempt to slow the airplane. The tail began to swing to the right (pointing the airplane's nose to the left) and the pilot tried to correct the offset by adding right rudder. The airplane began to skid sideways, breaking off the right main landing gear; the airplane came to rest off the left side of the runway. The right wing sustained damage during the impact sequence.
This incident is documented in NTSB report WPR09CA095. AviatorDB cross-references NTSB investigation data with FAA registry records to provide comprehensive safety information for aircraft N396JD.
Accident Details
Probable Cause and Findings
The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during landing.
Aircraft Information
Registered Owner (Current)
Analysis
In a written statement, the pilot reported that following eight full-stop practice takeoffs and landings he departed from his home airport. The approach to the destination airport was uneventful and the wind condition was calm. The airplane touched down and a small bounce ensued. As the tail began to lower, the pilot applied brakes in an attempt to slow the airplane. The tail began to swing to the right (pointing the airplane's nose to the left) and the pilot tried to correct the offset by adding right rudder. The airplane began to skid sideways, breaking off the right main landing gear; the airplane came to rest off the left side of the runway. The right wing sustained damage during the impact sequence.
The pilot spoke with a National Transportation Safety investigator immediately following the accident. He stated that there were no pre impact mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airframe or engine. In the section titled "RECOMMENDATION" in the NTSB Pilot/Operator Report, form 6120.1/2, the pilot stated that the accident could have been prevented if he had added more right rudder application to maintain runway centerline. He additionally stated that more training and tailwheel experience would have helped prevent the accident.
Data Source
Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# WPR09CA095