Pilot Debrief

Michael Cans RV-8 near Breaux Bridge, LA — 2011-10-14

Final reportCEN12CA027
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Date
2011-10-14
Location
Breaux Bridge, LA, USA
Airport
LA41
Aircraft
Michael Cans RV-8
Registration
N610EC
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to maintain control of the airplane after striking an unseen sinkhole during landing.

NTSB narrative

During the landing roll at a private airstrip, the airplane struck a sinkhole and bounced 10 to 15 feet in the air. The pilot added power to cushion the next touchdown, but the airplane drifted to the left and entered tall grass on the side of the runway; the landing gear separated and the airplane sustained substantial damage to the composite bulkhead. The airplane slid approximately 150 feet before coming to a stop on its belly. The pilot said that he did not see the sinkhole. A postaccident examination of the airplane revealed no anomalies that would have precluded normal operation.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents5

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