Pilot Debrief

GAULDEN WILLIAM D VANS RV-4 near London, KY — 2023-11-07

Final reportERA24LA039
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Date
2023-11-07
Location
London, KY, USA
Airport
LOZ
Aircraft
GAULDEN WILLIAM D VANS RV-4
Registration
N2606A
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

The pilot’s inadvertent application of nose down pitch trim during the attempted aborted landing, which resulted in abnormal contact with the runway.

NTSB narrative

The pilot purchased the airplane the day prior to the accident. During the landing at the destination airport, the airplane bounced, and the pilot intended to abort the landing; however, he accidentally advanced the elevator trim lever, rather than the throttle lever (which were similarly positioned and shaped). The airplane subsequently touched down a second time nose-low, resulting in damage to the main landing gear and propeller. Several fuselage tubes were also substantially damaged during the landing. The pilot stated that there were no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures of the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents4

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