THOMPSON RV-6 near Pagosa Springs, CO — 2012-09-20

Probable cause

The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control of the airplane during the landing roll. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s lack of landing experience at high density altitudes.

NTSB narrative

The pilot reported that since there was no appreciable wind he chose the landing runway because of its slight upslope. He reported that he made an uneventful wheel-landing, with the wing flaps partially extended, and that he was able to maintain directional control until the tailwheel made contact with the runway. The pilot stated that the airplane immediately began to swerve left after the tailwheel contacted the runway. He reportedly overcorrected and the airplane swerved to the right. The pilot overcorrected for a second time and the airplane swerved left. The pilot’s attempts to regain directional control were unsuccessful and the airplane departed off the left side of the runway. The right main landing gear collapsed and the right wing impacted terrain during the runway excursion. The pilot reported no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. He postulated that the airplane’s elevated true airspeed and ground speed, due to the high density altitude conditions, contributed to his inability to maintain directional control during landing roll. He further noted that he was unaccustomed with landing at high density altitudes and that the accident might have been prevented had he performed a full-stall (three-point) landing instead of a wheel-landing. The calculated density altitude was 10,081 feet.

Analysis

Primary failure mode

Loss of control

First missed decision gate

Pilot could have chosen a full-stall landing instead of a wheel-landing.

NTSB coding

• Loss of control on ground · Landing-landing roll
• Experience / Qualifications

Evidence available

• 5 docket documents

Docket documents5

• Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report, NTSB Form 6120.1form
• FAA Inspector Statement (Joshua Pritchard)interview
• Density Altitude Calculationother
• FAA Airport Facility Directory Entry (KPSO)other
• Weather Reportsreport

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