CircumFlightN29963 North American AT accident
NTSB GAA18CA414 · 2018-07-05 · Moneta, VA · near W91
Docket — crew, injuries and powerplant
Summary
The pilot of the tailwheel-equipped airplane reported that, during landing, he made a three-point touchdown, and the airplane bounced. Following the bounce, upon touchdown, the airplane veered sharply right and ground looped, the left landing gear collapsed, and the airplane impacted trees. The pilot added that the descent rate was higher than normal. The airplane sustained substantial damage to both wings. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Full narrative
The pilot of the tailwheel equipped airplane reported that during landing, the airplane had a three-point touchdown and bounced. Following the bounce, upon touchdown, the airplane veered sharply to the right, ground looped, the left landing gear collapsed, and the airplane impacted trees.
The pilot added that his decent rate was higher than normal.
The airplane sustained substantial damage to both wings.
The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
The pilot did not submit the NTSB Form 6120.1 Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident/Incident Report.
Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain a proper descent rate, which resulted in a bounced landing and his subsequent failure to maintain directional. The National Transportation Safety Board determined the probable cause of this accident.
Circumstances
- Event type
- Accident
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather conditions
- Visual Meteorological Cond
- Light condition
- Day
- Ceiling (ft)
- 0
- Visibility (sm)
- 10
- Wind direction
- 90
- Wind speed (kt)
- 9
- Temperature (F)
- 90
- Nearest airport
- Smith Mountain Lake
- Distance from field
- 0.0
- Airport elevation
- 892
Aircraft
| Registration | Make | Model | Damage | FAR part |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| N29963 | North American | AT | SUBS | 091 |
Sequence of events
| # | Occurrence | Phase |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Landing-flare/touchdown Abnormal runway contact | Cruise |
| 2 | Landing-flare/touchdown Loss of control on ground defining | Cruise |
| 3 | Landing-flare/touchdown Landing gear collapse | Cruise |
| 4 | Landing-flare/touchdown Collision with terr/obj (non-CFIT) | Cruise |