N439RP

Substantial
Minor

POOLE ROBERT C JR Van'sS/N: 91603

Accident Details

Date
Wednesday, April 17, 2013
NTSB Number
ERA13CA206
Location
Salisbury, NC
Event ID
20130418X00011
Coordinates
35.640834, -80.518890
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
Highest Injury
Minor
Fatalities
0
Serious Injuries
0
Minor Injuries
1
Uninjured
0
Total Aboard
1

Probable Cause and Findings

The pilot's improper landing flare, which resulted in a hard landing, and his subsequent decision to exit the paved runway onto the soft terrain.

Aircraft Information

Registration
Make
POOLE ROBERT C JR
Serial Number
91603
Engine Type
Reciprocating
Year Built
2012
Model / ICAO
Van'sFK9
Aircraft Type
Fixed Wing Single Engine
No. of Engines
1
Seats
2
FAA Model
RV-9A

Registered Owner (Current)

Name
POOLE ROBERT C JR
Address
822 PINE HILL DR
City
SALISBURY
State / Zip Code
NC 28146-7882
Country
United States

Analysis

According to the pilot, the airplane had about 9 total flight hours. He performed a touch-and-go landing and during departure the flaps would not retract. During the first attempt to land, the airplane was not in a position to land and a go-around was conducted. On the second attempt to land he began a straight-in approach about 3 miles from the runway since the flaps would not retract. On touchdown, the airplane's nose impacted the runway and the nose gear collapsed. As the airplane slowed, the pilot elected to exit the side of the paved surface into the grass, in order to avoid closing the runway. Subsequently, the nose gear dug into the soft terrain, the airplane nosed over, and came to rest inverted, which resulted in substantial damage to the vertical stabilizer and rudder. Examination of the flap system revealed a blown fuse, no other preimpact malfunction or abnormality was found that would have precluded normal operation.

Data Source

Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# ERA13CA206