Event GAA19CA507

Factual narrative

The pilot of the tailwheel-equipped airplane reported that, after a three-point landing on a dry lakebed, the main landing gear "hit an unseen undulation in the landing pathway" and the airplane bounced. As the main landing gear touched down again, the pilot applied heavy braking and the airplane nosed over. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the engine mount, right wing and the left-wing lift strut. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. The pilot of the tailwheel-equipped airplane reported that, after a three-point landing on a dry lakebed, the main landing gear "hit an unseen undulation in the landing pathway," and the airplane bounced. As the main landing gear touched down again, the pilot applied heavy braking, and the airplane nosed over. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the engine mount, right wing, and left-wing lift strut. 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

Hierarchical cause / factor breakdown from the FAA bulk avdata database. Each finding tagged C (Cause) or F (Factor).

• C Personnel issues-Task performance-Use of equip/info-Use of equip/system-Pilot - C
• C Aircraft-Aircraft systems-Landing gear system-Brake-Incorrect use/operation - C
• C Environmental issues-Physical environment-Runway/land/takeoff/taxi surface-Soft surface-Effect on operation - C