Pilot Debrief

MARK DIVITA RV-8 near Lancaster, TX — 2011-09-18

Final reportCEN11LA658
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Date
2011-09-18
Location
Lancaster, TX, USA
Airport
LNC
Aircraft
MARK DIVITA RV-8
Registration
N98D
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Landing

Probable cause

The failure of the tailwheel to remain locked during a crosswind landing, which resulted in a loss of directional control.

NTSB narrative

The pilot landed the tailwheel-equipped airplane with a crosswind, and during the landing rollout the airplane veered to the right. The pilot's attempts to correct the veer by applying left rudder pedal and left brake were unsuccessful. The airplane exited the right side of the runway, ground looped, and the left main landing gear collapsed resulting in substantial damage to the fuselage. A postaccident examination of the airplane revealed that the tailwheel assembly, tailwheel steering arm, and rudder stops were all in working condition. However, when combined together, the resulting configuration allowed the tailwheel to unlock and fully swivel 15 degrees prior to the rudder reaching full travel in either direction. Subsequently, when the airplane slowed to an airspeed at which the rudder was no longer effective and rudder input was added to correct for the crosswind, the tailwheel disengaged, resulting in the runway excursion.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Loss of control
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have adjusted approach or landing technique to prevent loss of control.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents2

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