BENJAMIN HAROLD E RV-4
Fitchburg, MA — June 25, 2016
Event Information
| Date | June 25, 2016 |
| Event Type | ACC |
| NTSB Number | GAA16CA344 |
| Event ID | 20160629X64057 |
| Location | Fitchburg, MA |
| Country | USA |
| Coordinates | 42.55389, -71.75916 |
| Airport | FITCHBURG MUNI |
| Highest Injury | NONE |
Aircraft
| Make | BENJAMIN HAROLD E |
| Model | RV-4 |
| Category | AIR |
| FAR Part | 091 |
| Aircraft Damage | SUBS |
Conditions
| Light Condition | DAYL |
| Weather | VMC |
Injuries
| Fatal | 0 |
| Serious | 0 |
| Minor | 0 |
| None | 2 |
| Total Injured | 0 |
Event Location
Probable Cause
The pilot's failure to maintain directional control upon landing, which resulted in a runway excursion followed by impact with terrain.
Full Narrative
The pilot of the tailwheel-equipped airplane reported that he made a normal three-point landing, shortly after touchdown the airplane veered to the left, then veered to the right. The pilot further reported that he applied power in an attempt to regain control, however the airplane veered back to the left and he reduced power as the airplane departed the runway. The airplane ground looped and the right wing impacted terrain causing substantial damage to the right aileron.
The pilot reported there were no preimpact mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airframe or engine that would have precluded normal operation.
About This NTSB Record
This aviation event was investigated by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). NTSB investigates all U.S. civil aviation accidents to determine probable cause and issue safety recommendations to prevent future accidents.