Eugene Wells Dragon Fly-B
KAILUA/KONA, HI — November 13, 2018
Event Information
| Date | November 13, 2018 |
| Event Type | ACC |
| NTSB Number | GAA19CA059 |
| Event ID | 20181113X74218 |
| Location | KAILUA/KONA, HI |
| Country | USA |
| Coordinates | 19.73694, -156.04306 |
| Airport | ELLISON ONIZUKA KONA INTL AT K |
| Highest Injury | NONE |
Aircraft
| Make | Eugene Wells |
| Model | Dragon Fly-B |
| Category | AIR |
| FAR Part | 091 |
| Aircraft Damage | SUBS |
Conditions
| Light Condition | DAYL |
| Weather | VMC |
Injuries
| Fatal | 0 |
| Serious | 0 |
| Minor | 0 |
| None | 1 |
| Total Injured | 0 |
Probable Cause
The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during landing in a crosswind. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s lack of experience in tailwheel airplanes for which he did not have an endorsement.
Full Narrative
The pilot of the tailwheel-equipped airplane reported that, during the approach, there was "heavy traffic" behind, and a crosswind from the right. During a wheel landing, he tried to "maintain speed" to clear the runway, but the airplane began to "fishtail". He added power to regain control, but the airplane exited the left side of the runway, the left wing impacted the ground, and the airplane came to rest in a "lava field".
The pilot further reported the accident was pilot error due to lack of experience in the airplane. He added that he did not have a tailwheel endorsement, and had a total of 3 flight hours in tailwheel airplanes with a certified flight instructor.
The airplane sustained substantial damage to the left wing.
The automated weather observation system at the airport reported that, about the time of the accident, the wind was from 220° at 9 knots. The pilot was landing on runway 17.
After multiple attempts, the pilot failed to submit the National Transportation Safety Board form 6120.1.
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.