Accident Overview
A 1,800-hour flight instructor and a 4,500-hour airline transport pilot (ATP), who was also an FAA inspector, were conducting recurrency training in a tail-wheel equipped single-engine airplane. The ATP had rented the aircraft under the FAA's 4040.9D Flight Management Program. Prior to departure, the inspector noted excessive travel in the left brake pedal, but the instructor reported no prior brake issues.
Flight Details
The pair flew to a private airport with a 3,501-foot-long, 250-foot-wide turf runway, which the inspector had never visited. On the first approach, large birds on the runway prompted a go-around; the birds dispersed. On the next approach, birds had returned. The instructor suggested landing beyond the birds, approximately halfway down the runway.
The inspector maintained an approach speed of 85 mph, later admitting this was about 30 mph too fast. Upon touchdown, he realized the runway sloped downhill and that the available stopping distance was insufficient. Additionally, the left brake was not functioning properly. He aborted the landing by adding full power and initiating a climb.
Collision and Damage
During the climb, the right wing strut struck a metal T-bar and a wooden fence post that were obscured by bushes. The pilot maintained directional control and elected to return to the private airport for landing. Post-flight examination revealed damage to both left and right wing struts, with the right wing's wood spar split about 2 to 3 inches.
The ATP later stated that the airplane required at least 2,000 feet of runway to stop safely under the conditions.