Pilot Debrief

MAXCY CHRISTOPHER L STOL KING near Bozeman, MT — 2017-03-22

Final reportWPR17LA080
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Date
2017-03-22
Location
Bozeman, MT, USA
Airport
BZN
Aircraft
MAXCY CHRISTOPHER L STOL KING
Registration
N268CR
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Landing

Probable cause

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

NTSB narrative

The private pilot reported that, shortly after touchdown during landing, the experimental, amateur-built tailwheel equipped airplane immediately veered to the left. The pilot corrected with right rudder and applied engine power; however, the airplane subsequently ground looped, during which the right main landing gear strut collapsed. The pilot, who was the builder of the airplane, reported that this was the second time the gear struts had bent on this airplane. Following the first event, the pilot had reinforced the landing gear strut, but he believed that the design of the main landing gear was unable to withstand the routine stresses of landing.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Mechanical failure
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have opted for a go-around after initial touchdown issues.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • Photos
  • 3 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents3

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