On 26 Jan 2013, a MALLORY CHRISTOPHER L RV-8 operated by MALLORY CHRISTOPHER L was involved in an aviation accident near Lake City, FL. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control during the landing roll. This summary draws on records from NTSB.
While landing on a 25-foot-wide runway, the airplane drifted right of centerline. The pilot applied power to abort, but the airplane continued right, departed the runway, and the right wing contacted the ground, collapsing the main landing gear.
Accident Description
During the landing roll on a 25-foot-wide runway, the airplane deviated to the right of the runway centerline. The pilot responded by applying engine power in an attempt to abort the landing. Despite this action, the airplane continued to move to the right and subsequently departed the side of the runway.
Damage and Consequences
After the airplane left the runway, the right wing contacted the ground, causing the main landing gear to collapse. This resulted in substantial damage to the right wing.
Pilot Statement
According to the pilot, no mechanical malfunctions or anomalies were present that would have prevented normal operation of the airplane. The pilot remarked that "better piloting" and a "wider runway" could have prevented the accident.
Contributing factors
Directional control — Not attained/maintainedPilot