Accident Details
On April 28, 2013, at 0950 mountain daylight time, a Cessna 195B airplane, registration N4420C, was substantially damaged during a landing at Double Eagle II Airport (KAEG) in Albuquerque, New Mexico. The private pilot and a passenger sustained minor injuries. The airplane was registered to and operated by a private individual under 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91, without a flight plan. Day visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the personal flight, which had departed KAEG about 0900.
Pilot Report
The pilot reported that the purpose of the flight, which consisted of several practice takeoff-and-landings, was to become better acquainted with the flying characteristics of the tailwheel-equipped airplane, which he had recently purchased. The pilot had about 3 hours of flight experience in the accident airplane make and model. The accident occurred during a full-stop landing on runway 22, which measures 7,398 feet by 100 feet and is asphalt. The pilot reported an uneventful approach and a three-point touchdown on the runway centerline. However, about 500 to 600 feet into the landing roll, the airplane suddenly veered to the left. The pilot stated that he was unable to regain directional control and that the airplane subsequently departed the left side of the runway before nosing over. The aircraft fuselage and wings were substantially damaged during the accident sequence.
Investigation
A Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) maintenance inspector examined the airplane multiple times following the accident and confirmed flight control continuity. Additionally, no anomalies or mechanical discontinuities were identified with the tailwheel locking assembly during a functional test. The FAA inspector did not identify any preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation of the airplane.
Weather
At 0950, the KAEG automated surface observing system reported the following weather conditions: wind 030 degrees true at 3 knots, visibility 10 miles, sky clear, temperature 17 degrees Celsius, dew point -14 degrees Celsius, and altimeter setting 30.16 inches of mercury.