17 May 2016: VAN B ANTHONY ZODIAC 601 HDS

17 May 2016: VAN B ANTHONY ZODIAC 601 HDS — Unknown operator

No fatalities • Grass Valley, CA, United States

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to maintain a stabilized approach and landing, which resulted in a hard landing, loss of directional control, runway excursion, and collision with a parked airplane.

— NTSB Determination

Accident narrative

The pilot of an experimental amateur built airplane reported that he felt pressured by a trailing airplane while in the traffic pattern; he further reported that this pressure caused him to turn base, and then final sooner than expected, which resulted in an increased airspeed and higher than expected altitude on final approach.

The pilot reported that he decided to proceed with the landing with the intent of utilizing the length of the runway to reduce the airspeed. He further reported that the landing flare was effected by the higher than normal airspeed, and resulted in a hard landing.

During the landing roll, the pilot reported that the airplane began to veer to the left and right which progressively increased, resulting in a runway excursion to the left. During the runway excursion, the airplane impacted a taxiway sign, which disabled the brake(s). The airplane continued across the airport until it impacted a parked airplane on the ramp. As a result of the impact, a post-impact fire ensued and the airplane was destroyed.

Contributing factors

  • cause Pilot
  • cause Directional control — Not attained/maintained
  • cause Incorrect use/operation
  • Awareness of condition
  • Contributed to outcome
  • Contributed to outcome

Conditions

Weather
VMC, wind 030/09kt, vis 10sm

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