Pilot Debrief

American Legend Aircraft Co. AL3 near Fresno, CA — 2009-09-28

Final reportWPR09LA472
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Date
2009-09-28
Location
Fresno, CA, USA
Airport
FAT
Aircraft
American Legend Aircraft Co. AL3
Registration
N18MK
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Landing

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the landing roll.

NTSB narrative

The airplane veered to the right during the landing roll in calm winds and after the tailwheel was lowered to the runway pavement. Attempts by the pilot to correct back to the left were unsuccessful, which resulted in a ground loop to the right and substantial damage to the left wing and fuselage. Post accident examination of the airplane’s tailwheel assembly, rudder controls and associated rudder cables revealed no anomalies which would have precluded normal operation.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Loss of control
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have checked rudder functionality before landing.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • 3 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents3

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