GAA19CA433

Factual narrative

The pilot of the tailwheel-equipped airplane reported that, while landing on a grass runway and, "about 10 feet AGL my plane dropped and fast." The airplane touched down hard on the runway and skidded to a stop. The pilot further reported that, he was conducting a test flight and added an additional 90 pounds to the back seat. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the fuselage and rudder. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. The airport's automated weather observation station reported that, about the time of the accident, the wind was from 140° at 5 knots. The airplane was landing on runway 21. The pilot of the tailwheel-equipped airplane reported that, while landing on a grass runway and about 10 ft above ground level, the airplane "dropped" quickly. The airplane touched down hard on the runway and then skidded to a stop. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the fuselage and rudder. 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 Aircraft-Aircraft oper/perf/capability-Performance/control parameters-Landing flare-Not attained/maintained - C
• C Personnel issues-Task performance-Use of equip/info-Aircraft control-Pilot - C