On September 13, 2007, an Aviat A-1B (registration N319AM) operated by Jon Hudson was involved in an aviation accident near Grangeville, ID. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot failed to maintain directional control during the landing roll. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
During landing roll, a tailwheel aircraft exited the runway and struck a ditch after the pilot lost directional control. No flight control or steering anomalies were reported.
Incident Details
A tailwheel-equipped aircraft experienced a loss of directional control during the landing roll following an uneventful touchdown in calm wind conditions. The aircraft departed the right side of the runway and subsequently encountered a ditch located between the runway and the taxiway. The impact resulted in substantial damage to the aircraft.
Landing and Aftermath
The pilot reported that the landing was normal until directional control was lost. The aircraft veered off the runway and struck the ditch, causing structural damage. The pilot stated that no anomalies or malfunctions existed in the aircraft's flight controls or tailwheel steering systems before or during the event.
Aircraft Condition
After the accident, the flight controls and tailwheel steering were examined and found to be operating as designed. No pre-existing mechanical issues were identified.
Probable Cause
The accident investigation determined that the probable cause was the pilot's failure to maintain directional control of the aircraft during the landing roll.