Summary
On June 08, 2020, a Vans RV8 (N44LA) was involved in an accident near Sulfer, LA. The accident resulted in 1 minor injury. The aircraft sustained substantial damage.
The National Transportation Safety Board determined the probable cause of this accident to be: A loss of directional control as a result of a fractured landing gear attach bracket.
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.
This accident is documented in NTSB report CEN20CA220. AviatorDB cross-references NTSB investigation data with FAA registry records to provide comprehensive safety information for aircraft N44LA.
Accident Details
Probable Cause and Findings
A loss of directional control as a result of a fractured landing gear attach bracket.
Aircraft Information
Registered Owner (Historical)
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