GAA18CA444

Factual narrative

The pilot of the tailwheel-equipped airplane reported that, during landing, as the tailwheel touched down, the airplane veered sharply to the left. He applied full right rudder and brake to no avail. The airplane exited the runway to the left, the right main landing gear collapsed, and the right wing struck the ground. The airplane came to rest in a nose down attitude. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the right wing. The Federal Aviation Administration inspector reported that, during a postaccident examination, he was able to jack the tail into the air to observe the tailwheel and rudder. There were no observed anomalies with the rudder cables, tailwheel assembly, and brakes. The automated weather observation station located on the airport reported that, about 16 minutes after the accident, the wind was from 240° at 6 knots. The airplane landed on runway 25. The pilot of the tailwheel-equipped airplane reported that, during landing, as the tailwheel touched down, the airplane veered sharply left. He applied full right rudder and brake to no avail. The airplane exited the runway to the left, the right main landing gear collapsed, and the right wing struck the ground. The airplane came to rest in a nose-down attitude. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the right wing. The Federal Aviation Administration inspector reported that, during a postaccident examination, he did not observe any anomalies with the rudder cables, tailwheel assembly, and brakes. The automated weather observation station located on the airport reported that, about 16 minutes after the accident, the wind was from 240° at 6 knots. The airplane landed on runway 25. 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