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November 13, 2018 · Eugene Wells Dragon Fly-B · N5023G

Kailua/Kona, HI

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
November 13, 2018
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Kailua/Kona, HI
Aircraft
Eugene Wells Dragon Fly-B (1979)
Tail Number
N5023G
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
GAA19CA059

The pilot of the tailwheel-equipped airplane reported that, during the approach, there was "heavy traffic" behind his airplane and a right crosswind. He added that, during a wheel landing, he tried to "maintain speed" to clear the runway, but the airplane began to "fishtail." He added power to regain control, but the airplane exited the left side of the runway, the left wing impacted the ground, and the airplane came to rest in a "lava field." The airplane sustained substantial damage to the left wing. The pilot reported that the accident was due to pilot error because of his lack of experience in the airplane. He added that he did not have a tailwheel endorsement and had a total of only 3 flight hours experience in tailwheel airplanes with a flight instructor. The airport’s automated weather observation system reported that, about the time of the accident, the wind was from 220° at 9 knots. The pilot landed the airplane on runway 17.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during landing in a crosswind. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s lack of experience in tailwheel airplanes for which he did not have an endorsement.

Full Narrative

The pilot of the tailwheel-equipped airplane reported that, during the approach, there was "heavy traffic" behind, and a crosswind from the right. During a wheel landing, he tried to "maintain speed" to clear the runway, but the airplane began to "fishtail". He added power to regain control, but the airplane exited the left side of the runway, the left wing impacted the ground, and the airplane came to rest in a "lava field". The pilot further reported the accident was pilot error due to lack of experience in the airplane. He added that he did not have a tailwheel endorsement, and had a total of 3 flight hours in tailwheel airplanes with a certified flight instructor. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the left wing. The automated weather observation system at the airport reported that, about the time of the accident, the wind was from 220° at 9 knots. The pilot was landing on runway 17. After multiple attempts, the pilot failed to submit the National Transportation Safety Board form 6120.1.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time10:30 HST
Nearest AirportEllison Onizuka Kona Intl At K (0nm SE)
Runway17
Runway Length11000 ft
Runway Width150 ft
Flight Plan FiledUnknown
Flight Plan ActivatedUnknown
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftEugene Wells Dragon Fly-B
Tail NumberN5023G
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · Reciprocating
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 70 · Basc · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind220° @ 9 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point64 F
Altimeter29.98 inHg
Observation Time21:53
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data