El Monte, CA, USA
N396JD
Dickson Vans Aircraft RV-8
The approach to the destination airport was uneventful and the wind condition was calm. The amateur-built airplane touched down and a small bounce ensued. As the tail began to lower, the pilot applied brakes in an attempt to slow the airplane. The tail began to swing to the right (pointing the airplane's nose to the left) and the pilot tried to correct the offset by adding right rudder. The airplane began to skid sideways, breaking off the right main landing gear, and the airplane came to rest off of the left side of the runway. The pilot stated that the accident could have been prevented if he had added more right rudder to maintain runway centerline. He additionally stated that more training and tailwheel experience would have helped prevent the accident.
In a written statement, the pilot reported that following eight full-stop practice takeoffs and landings he departed from his home airport. The approach to the destination airport was uneventful and the wind condition was calm. The airplane touched down and a small bounce ensued. As the tail began to lower, the pilot applied brakes in an attempt to slow the airplane. The tail began to swing to the right (pointing the airplane's nose to the left) and the pilot tried to correct the offset by adding right rudder. The airplane began to skid sideways, breaking off the right main landing gear; the airplane came to rest off the left side of the runway. The right wing sustained damage during the impact sequence. The pilot spoke with a National Transportation Safety investigator immediately following the accident. He stated that there were no pre impact mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airframe or engine. In the section titled "RECOMMENDATION" in the NTSB Pilot/Operator Report, form 6120.1/2, the pilot stated that the accident could have been prevented if he had added more right rudder application to maintain runway centerline. He additionally stated that more training and tailwheel experience would have helped prevent the accident.
The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during landing.
Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database
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