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NTSB Report

April 3, 2004 · Waco RBA · N12444

Temple, TX

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
April 3, 2004
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (2 uninjured)
Location
Temple, TX
Aircraft
Waco RBA
Tail Number
N12444
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
FTW04LA102

The pilot lost directional control of the vintage bi-plane during the landing roll. The 192-hour pilot configured the tailwheel equipped airplane to land on Runway 15. Runway 15 was 6,301 feet long by 150 feet wide and has an asphalt surface. The pilot stated that he configured for a power-on wheel landing. Touchdown on the main landing gear was "normal." As power decreased, the airplane began to slow down, the pilot added forward stick to keep the tail "off" as long as possible. During the landing roll, the right wing "began to lift." As the wing came up, the pilot applied left brake and he applied a little aileron. The left brake "locked up," and the aircraft nosed-over, onto its top wing. The winds at the airport at 0955 were reported from 320 degrees at 3 knots.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the landing roll. A contributing factor was the locked wheel.

Full Narrative

On April 3, 2004, approximately 1014 central standard time, a Waco RBA single-engine bi-plane, registered to and operated by a private individual, was substantially damaged following a loss of directional control during the landing roll at Draughon-Miller Central Texas Regional Airport (TPL), near Temple, Texas. The private pilot and pilot-rated passenger were not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and a flight plan was not filed for the Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight. The local flight originated at 0930. According to the Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report (NTSB Form 6120.1/2), the 192-hour pilot departed TPL under "mostly ideal flying conditions," and flew to a private grass strip to perform three full stall landings. Upon returning to TPL, the pilot configured the 1932 vintage airplane to land on Runway 15. Runway 15 was 6,301 feet long by 150 feet wide and has an asphalt surface. The pilot stated that the base and final legs were "normal" and there was no "crabbing," which led the pilot to configure for a power-on wheel landing. Touchdown on the main landing gear was "normal;" there was no sign of trouble. As power decreased, the airplane began to slow down, and the pilot added forward stick to keep the tail "off" as long as possible. The pilot held the stick as long as possible, but the tail eventually came down and the pilot stated that he knew the speed rolling on the runway would be a little fast, but manageable. During the landing roll, the right wing "began to lift." As the wing came up, the pilot applied left brake and applied a little aileron. The left brake "locked up," and the aircraft nosed-over, onto its top wing. Examination of the wreckage by the owner/operator revealed structural damage to the upper left and right wings, the wooded propeller disintegrated, the wooden motor mount was destroyed, the left wheel fairing was crushed, center section of the gas tank was wrinkled topside, and the vertical stabilizer was crushed. The owner/operator added that it is extremely difficult to land a narrow-gear bi-plane on a grooved asphalt runway. He added that he would like the airport to provide a grass landing area for bi-planes. The weather conditions for TPL at 0955 were reporting winds from 320 degrees at 3 knots.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time10:14 CST
Nearest AirportDraughon-Miller Central Texas (0nm)
Runway15
Runway Length6301 ft
Runway Width150 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftWaco RBA
Tail NumberN12444
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsWarner · S-40 · Reciprocating · 145
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (2 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured2
Total2
Crew 1Age 49 · Third Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind320° @ 3 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point70 F / 61 F
Altimeter30.11 inHg
Observation Time15:55
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data