GAA18CA196

Factual narrative

The pilot receiving instruction in the tailwheel-equipped airplane reported that, during the landing roll, the airplane veered to the left. He applied right rudder and brake to correct, but the airplane continued to veer to the left. In an attempt to maintain directional control, he added power with left rudder and brake. Subsequently, the flight instructor pulled the engine power back and applied right rudder, but the airplane continued to the left and the right wing impacted the ground. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the right wing and aileron. The pilot reported that the airplane previously had a tendency to veer to the left during the landing roll. He further reported that, repairs were made during a recent annual inspection and noted that "thicker brake spaces" had been installed. The instructor reported in a telephone conversation that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. The flight instructor failed to submit the National Transportation Safety Board Form 6120.1 Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident/Incident Report. The pilot receiving instruction in the tailwheel-equipped airplane reported that, during the landing roll, the airplane veered to the left. He applied right rudder and brake to correct, but the airplane continued to veer to the left. In an attempt to maintain directional control, he added power with left rudder and brake. Subsequently, the flight instructor pulled the engine power back and applied right rudder, but the airplane continued to the left and the right wing impacted the ground. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the right wing and aileron. The pilot reported that the airplane previously had a tendency to veer to the left during the landing roll. He further reported that, repairs were made during a recent annual inspection and noted that "thicker brake spaces" had been installed. The instructor reported in a telephone conversation that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database Retrieved: 2026-02-12

NTSB Findings

FAA avdata. C = Cause, F = Factor.

• C Aircraft-Aircraft oper/perf/capability-Performance/control parameters-Directional control-Not attained/maintained - C
• C Personnel issues-Task performance-Use of equip/info-Aircraft control-Pilot - C
• F Personnel issues-Action/decision-Action-Delayed action-Instructor/check pilot - F