Accident Details
Probable Cause and Findings
The pilot receiving instruction's improper approach and landing flare in crosswind conditions, which resulted in a bounced landing and subsequent loss of directional control. Contributing to the accident was the flight instructor’s delayed remedial action.
Aircraft Information
Registered Owner (Current)
Analysis
The flight instructor was evaluating a pilot receiving instruction in a tailwheel-equipped, high performance airplane for a visual flight rules (VFR) cross country. He added that they considered the runway to be "a one-way strip". When they arrived at the private airstrip, the GPS indicated a 5 knot crosswind from the southeast.
During the approach, they were about "50 ft high" when they crossed their predetermined go around point. During the touch down, the airplane bounced twice, and the pilot initiated a go around. The instructor then "reminded" the pilot that they were committed to the landing and instructed him not to go around, so the pilot transitioned the airplane back to landing.
During the subsequent touchdown, the airplane "quickly" veered right. The pilot attempted to correct the veer, but the airplane exited the right side of the airstrip, encountered soft ground, and nosed down coming to rest on the spinner and left wing.
The airplane sustained substantial damage to the left wing.
The flight instructor reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
The pilot indicated that the wind at the airport was about 140° at 5 knots. The pilot was landing on runway 5.
The flight instructor recommended that he should have taken the controls sooner in the abnormal situation.
Data Source
Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# GAA19CA055