On 22 Nov 2016, a HUNDLEY MICHAEL J VANS RV8 UNDESIGNAT was involved in an aviation accident near Roopville, GA. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot’s overcorrection with the right rudder during the landing roll, which resulted in a loss of directional control and a runway excursion. This summary draws on records from NTSB.
During a 3-point landing, a tailwheel airplane drifted left, the pilot overcorrected, and it exited the runway and hit trees, resulting in substantial damage to both wings and fuselage.
Sequence of Events
The accident occurred during the landing phase of a tailwheel-equipped airplane. The pilot was performing a three-point landing when the airplane began to drift to the left. He applied right rudder and brake to correct, but reported that he "obviously overcorrected," causing the airplane to veer to the right. Despite applying left rudder and brake, the pilot was unable to stop the rightward movement. The airplane exited the runway and impacted trees.
Damage
The airplane sustained substantial damage to both wings and the fuselage. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airframe or engine that would have precluded normal operation.
Pilot Recommendation
As a safety recommendation, the pilot stated that he should have conducted a wheel landing to provide more directional control during the landing roll.
Contributing factors
Causes
PilotDirectional control — Not attained/maintained