GAA18CA351

Factual narrative

The pilot of the tailwheel-equipped airplane reported that, during landing on a gravel airstrip, when the right main wheel touched down, the airplane veered to the right. He applied full left rudder to no avail. The right wheel exited the runway into soft, sandy soil and the airplane nosed over. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the wings and empennage. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. The pilot added that, after the accident it was pointed out that the airplane had a flat tire, and that there was a tire mark on the gravel runway from where the airplane touched down to where the airplane nosed over. The pilot of the tailwheel-equipped airplane reported that, during landing on a gravel airstrip, when the right main wheel touched down, the airplane veered right. He applied full left rudder to no avail. The right wheel exited the runway into soft, sandy soil, and the airplane nosed over. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the wings and empennage. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. The pilot added that, after the accident, it was pointed out that the airplane had a flat tire and that there was a tire mark on the gravel runway from where the airplane touched down to where the airplane nosed over. 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-Attain/maintain not possible - C
• C Aircraft-Aircraft systems-Landing gear system-Wheel/ski/float-Failure - C
• — Environmental issues-Physical environment-Runway/land/takeoff/taxi surface-Soft surface-Contributed to outcome