GAA18CA472

Factual narrative

The pilot in the tailwheel-equipped airplane reported that during landing the airplane ballooned, then touched down on the left side of the runway centerline and exited the left side of the runway. The pilot braked hard in the grass safety area to avoid colliding with an airplane on a nearby taxiway. The airplane nosed over and sustained substantial damage to the vertical stabilizer and the rudder. The pilot reported that the accident was a result of pilot error and nothing else. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. The pilot in the tailwheel-equipped airplane reported that, during landing, the airplane ballooned and then touched down on the left side of the runway centerline and exited the left side of the runway. The pilot braked hard in the grass safety area to avoid colliding with an airplane on a nearby taxiway, and the airplane subsequently nosed over. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the vertical stabilizer and the rudder. The pilot reported that the accident was a result of pilot error. The pilot reported 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 Personnel issues-Task performance-Use of equip/info-Aircraft control-Pilot - C
• C Aircraft-Aircraft oper/perf/capability-Performance/control parameters-Directional control-Not attained/maintained - C
• C Aircraft-Aircraft systems-Landing gear system-Landing gear brakes system-Incorrect use/operation - C
• C Aircraft-Aircraft oper/perf/capability-Performance/control parameters-Landing flare-Not attained/maintained - C