Pilot Debrief

BRINKER / GARNER BI-PLANE near Caldwell, ID — 2009-04-17

Final reportWPR09LA201
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Date
2009-04-17
Location
Caldwell, ID, USA
Airport
EUL
Aircraft
BRINKER / GARNER BI-PLANE
Registration
N375CB
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Landing

Probable cause

Loss of control during the landing roll for undetermined reasons.

NTSB narrative

The pilot reported that during a routine test flight, he felt an abnormal vibration and decided to divert to a nearby airport. After noting the wind conditions, the pilot entered the airport traffic pattern and proceeded to execute a wheel landing in the tailwheel-equipped airplane. As the tailwheel settled onto the runway, the airplane immediately veered to the right. Despite the pilot's control and brake inputs, the airplane continued to veer to the right and exited the runway. Subsequently, the airplane came to rest in a nose-low attitude adjacent to the runway surface. Examination of the airplane by a Federal Aviation Administration inspector revealed that the left and right top and bottom wing assemblies and fuselage were structurally damaged. Flight control continuity was established throughout the airplane to all flight controls. Movement of the tailwheel by hand revealed that it locked into its normal turning radius and subsequently broke free with little pressure. No anomalies could be found with the airframe; however, examination of the runway revealed a black rubber transfer mark with a width corresponding to the width of the airplane's tailwheel. The mark was not linear, but had a zigzag shape consistent with the tailwheel shimmying.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Loss of control
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have aborted landing after vibration during top speed test.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents4

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