N44LA

Substantial
Minor

VANS RV8S/N: 82421

Accident Details

Date
Monday, June 8, 2020
NTSB Number
CEN20CA220
Location
Sulfer, LA
Event ID
20200608X34033
Coordinates
30.133888, -93.377777
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
Highest Injury
Minor
Fatalities
0
Serious Injuries
0
Minor Injuries
1
Uninjured
0
Total Aboard
1

Probable Cause and Findings

A loss of directional control as a result of a fractured landing gear attach bracket.

Aircraft Information

Registration
N44LA
Make
VANS
Serial Number
82421
Engine Type
Reciprocating
Year Built
2007
Model / ICAO
RV8RV8
Aircraft Type
Fixed Wing Single Engine
No. of Engines
1

Registered Owner (Historical)

Name
MCRAE RALPH D JR
Address
1016 VFW RD
Status
Deregistered
City
LEESVILLE
State / Zip Code
LA 71446-6304
Country
United States

Analysis

According to the pilot, while landing his tailwheel airplane on runway 15 with gusty winds from 250°, there was a slight bounce when he touched the runway with the right tire. As the left main tire touched down, he felt the left side of the airplane "drop suddenly." As the airplane continued down the runway, it began to veer to the left. He applied full right rudder and right brake, which kept the airplane on the runway for several hundred feet before directional control could no longer be maintained. The airplane exited the runway and nosed over which resulted in substantial damage to the right elevator.

A post-accident examination revealed a fractured left landing gear inboard attach bracket.

Data Source

Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# CEN20CA220