Aviation Accident Summaries

Aviation Accident Summary GAA18CA414

Moneta, VA, USA

Aircraft #1

N29963

North American AT

Analysis

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.

Factual Information

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 and Findings

The pilot's failure to maintain a proper descent rate, which resulted in a bounced landing and his subsequent failure to maintain directional.

 

Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database

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