N55EC

Substantial
None

CHATHAM ROBERT M RV6-AS/N: 23962

Accident Details

Date
Tuesday, June 9, 2009
NTSB Number
ERA09CA333
Location
Gilbert, SC
Event ID
20090609X22257
Coordinates
33.963890, -81.359169
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
Highest Injury
None
Fatalities
0
Serious Injuries
0
Minor Injuries
0
Uninjured
1
Total Aboard
1

Probable Cause and Findings

The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control of the airplane during landing roll. Contributing to the accident was the airspeed indicator that became inoperative during the landing approach.

Aircraft Information

Registration
N55EC
Make
CHATHAM ROBERT M
Serial Number
23962
Engine Type
Reciprocating
Model / ICAO
RV6-ARV6
Aircraft Type
Fixed Wing Single Engine
No. of Engines
1

Registered Owner (Historical)

Name
SALE REPORTED
Address
3603 NE 115TH CIR
Status
Deregistered
City
VANCOUVER
State / Zip Code
WA 98686-3971
Country
United States

Analysis

The pilot stated that he was conducting an initial flight test in the traffic pattern at the local airport. During the approach to landing he noticed that the airspeed indicator was not working properly. He attempted to determine the correct approach speed, but stated that he may have been going too fast. During the landing, the airplane floated down the runway. The pilot applied brake pressure, but then the airplane drifted off the left side of the runway. The nose wheel contacted a rock in a drainage area which resulted in the airplane flipping over. The propeller, fuselage, canopy, and tail section incurred damage. Postaccident examination of the airspeed indicator by the pilot revealed the tubing separated from the pressure port.

Data Source

Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# ERA09CA333