Pilot Debrief

TRAXLER JOHN N KITFOX near Hartford, CT — 2008-07-08

Final reportCHI08LA185
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Date
2008-07-08
Location
Hartford, CT, USA
Airport
HFD
Aircraft
TRAXLER JOHN N KITFOX
Registration
N767JD
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Landing

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to compensate for crosswinds resulting in a loss of directional control while landing. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's lack of experience and training in tailwheeled airplanes.

NTSB narrative

The pilot was practicing touch-and-go landings with a passenger in his experimental tailwheel-equipped airplane. On the fourth touch and go, the pilot decided to land on a different runway with a mild crosswind, where he veered off the right side of the runway. He tried to conduct a go-around, but departed the right side of the runway and hit a taxiway sign, resulting in substantial damage to the airplane. The pilot's written statement suggested that his inexperience in tailwheel aircraft was likely the root cause and that additional training in tailwheel aircraft was appropriate.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Human factors
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have opted for more training before flying tailwheel aircraft.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • 1 docket document
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents1

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