N20930

Substantial
Minor

Dart GWS/N: GK-38

Accident Details

Date
Saturday, July 25, 2009
NTSB Number
ERA09CA422
Location
Warrenton, VA
Event ID
20090726X31946
Coordinates
38.655555, -77.787223
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
Highest Injury
Minor
Fatalities
0
Serious Injuries
0
Minor Injuries
2
Uninjured
0
Total Aboard
2

Probable Cause and Findings

The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the landing roll. Contributing to the accident was the wet turf landing surface.

Aircraft Information

Registration
Make
DART
Serial Number
GK-38
Engine Type
Reciprocating
Year Built
1939
Model / ICAO
Aircraft Type
Fixed Wing Single Engine
No. of Engines
1
Seats
2
FAA Model
GW

Registered Owner (Current)

Name
CURRIER JUSTIN
Address
17375 CROOKES FARM RD
City
RIXEYVILLE
State / Zip Code
VA 22737-2417
Country
United States

Analysis

The certificated private pilot performed a "normal" landing at 60 miles per hour and the tail-wheel-equipped airplane continued for approximately 600 to 700 feet on the 2,215 foot-long by 70-foot-wide turf runway, before it drifted to the right. The pilot was unable to correct the drift with left rudder and left brake before the airplane departed the runway, and struck trees at approximately "30 miles per hour." When asked how the accident could have been prevented, the pilot stated he should have kept the control stick fully back during the landing roll, and that the wet grass condition significantly decreased surface friction available for braking and steering effectiveness. Calm winds were reported 5 nautical miles southeast of the airport. Examination of the airplane by a Federal Aviation Administration inspector did not reveal any evidence of preimpact mechanical malfunctions.

Data Source

Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# ERA09CA422