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January 21, 2009 · Dickson Vans Aircraft RV-8 · N396JD

El Monte, CA

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
January 21, 2009
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (2 uninjured)
Location
El Monte, CA
Aircraft
Dickson Vans Aircraft RV-8
Tail Number
N396JD
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
WPR09CA095

The approach to the destination airport was uneventful and the wind condition was calm. The amateur-built airplane touched down and a small bounce ensued. As the tail began to lower, the pilot applied brakes in an attempt to slow the airplane. The tail began to swing to the right (pointing the airplane's nose to the left) and the pilot tried to correct the offset by adding right rudder. The airplane began to skid sideways, breaking off the right main landing gear, and the airplane came to rest off of the left side of the runway. The pilot stated that the accident could have been prevented if he had added more right rudder to maintain runway centerline. He additionally stated that more training and tailwheel experience would have helped prevent the accident.

NTSB Probable Cause

Aircraft-Aircraft oper/perf/capability-Performance/control parameters-Directional control-Not attained/maintained - C

Full Narrative

In a written statement, the pilot reported that following eight full-stop practice takeoffs and landings he departed from his home airport. The approach to the destination airport was uneventful and the wind condition was calm. The airplane touched down and a small bounce ensued. As the tail began to lower, the pilot applied brakes in an attempt to slow the airplane. The tail began to swing to the right (pointing the airplane's nose to the left) and the pilot tried to correct the offset by adding right rudder. The airplane began to skid sideways, breaking off the right main landing gear; the airplane came to rest off the left side of the runway. The right wing sustained damage during the impact sequence. The pilot spoke with a National Transportation Safety investigator immediately following the accident. He stated that there were no pre impact mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airframe or engine. In the section titled "RECOMMENDATION" in the NTSB Pilot/Operator Report, form 6120.1/2, the pilot stated that the accident could have been prevented if he had added more right rudder application to maintain runway centerline. He additionally stated that more training and tailwheel experience would have helped prevent the accident.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time12:20 PST
Nearest AirportEl Monte Airport (0nm)
Runway19
Runway Length3995 ft
Runway Width75 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo

Aircraft

AircraftDickson Vans Aircraft RV-8
Tail NumberN396JD
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · IO-360 · Reciprocating · 180
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (2 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured2
Total2
Crew 1Age 35 · Third Class · None
Crew 2Age 53 · Second Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
WindCalm
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point0 C / 0 C
Altimeter0
Weather SourcePILO

Appendix: Source Data