Pilot Debrief

VANS RV-7A near Covington, WA — 2026-07-17

Final reportWPR26LA265
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Date
2026-07-17
Location
Covington, WA, USA
Airport
S36
Aircraft
VANS RV-7A
Registration
N987CW
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

The pilot’s improper pitch control during landing, which resulted in a bounced landing, nose landing gear collapse, and nose over.

NTSB narrative

The pilot reported that during landing, the airplane began to porpoise. The nose landing gear subsequently collapsed, and the airplane veered off side of the runway and nosed over. The airplane came to rest inverted, resulting in substantial damage to the fuselage, vertical stabilizer, and rudder. The pilot reported that there were no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents2

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