AMERICAN LEGEND AIRCRAFT CO AL3 near McKinney, TX — 2011-01-02

Probable cause

The pilot's loss of directional control during landing.

NTSB narrative

The student pilot was performing a landing when the airplane bounced several times before he lost control of the airplane. The airplane veered to the right and departed the runway. As the airplane continued through the grass, the right wing contacted a construction sign and impacted a ditch, coming to rest inverted. An eyewitness reported that the tailwheel never fully contacted the ground prior to departing the runway. No preimpact anomalies were reported by the pilot.

Analysis

Primary failure mode

Loss of control

First missed decision gate

Pilot could have executed a go-around after the initial bounce.

NTSB coding

• Loss of control on ground · Landing-landing roll

Evidence available

• 2 docket documents

Docket documents2

• Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report, NTSB Form 6120.1: Not obtainedform
• Witness Statement: Pilot statementsinterview

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