Pilot Debrief

STRIBLING JAMES L RV4 near Georgetown, CA — 2013-01-08

Final reportWPR13CA089
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Date
2013-01-08
Location
Georgetown, CA, USA
Airport
E36
Aircraft
STRIBLING JAMES L RV4
Registration
N70AC
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Minor
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

The pilot’s improper landing flare and failure to maintain directional control during landing.

NTSB narrative

The pilot reported that he intended to land the tailwheel-equipped airplane on a sloped asphalt runway that he had not landed at before the accident flight. The first landing attempt terminated with a go-around because he was not comfortable with the approach. The second approach was high and a little too fast, which caused the airplane to float down the runway. When the airplane touched down, it bounced; after a second bounce, the pilot applied increasingly aggressive braking for fear of overrunning the runway. The airplane veered off the hard surface runway, encountered soft mud, and subsequently nosed over, resulting in substantial damage to the vertical stabilizer, rudder, and elevator. The pilot reported no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • 1 docket document
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents1

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