Summary
On September 11, 2018, a Vans VANS RV 8 (N289MM) was involved in an incident near Carson, NV. All 1 person 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 improper landing flare, which resulted in a bounced landing, and his subsequent failure to maintain directional control in gusting, right quartering tailwind conditions.
The pilot of the tailwheel equipped airplane reported that, during landing, the airplane was "slightly fast", touched down "firm" on the runway and bounced. He increased the engine power to cushion the subsequent landing, but the airplane touched down "left wing low" and pointed to the right. He then corrected with opposite rudder and brake, but airplane veered right, and exited the runway to the right.
The airplane sustained substantial damage to the fuselage.
The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
The automated weather observation station located on the airport reported that, about the time of the accident, the wind was from 240° at 9 knots, gusting 20 knots.
This incident is documented in NTSB report GAA18CA548. AviatorDB cross-references NTSB investigation data with FAA registry records to provide comprehensive safety information for aircraft N289MM.
Accident Details
Probable Cause and Findings
The pilot's improper landing flare, which resulted in a bounced landing, and his subsequent failure to maintain directional control in gusting, right quartering tailwind conditions.
Aircraft Information
Registered Owner (Current)
Analysis
The pilot of the tailwheel equipped airplane reported that, during landing, the airplane was "slightly fast", touched down "firm" on the runway and bounced. He increased the engine power to cushion the subsequent landing, but the airplane touched down "left wing low" and pointed to the right. He then corrected with opposite rudder and brake, but airplane veered right, and exited the runway to the right.
The airplane sustained substantial damage to the fuselage.
The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
The automated weather observation station located on the airport reported that, about the time of the accident, the wind was from 240° at 9 knots, gusting 20 knots. The airplane landed on runway 09.
Data Source
Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# GAA18CA548