On 23 Mar 2018, a FLIGHTWORKS CORP CAPELLA XS FW2C80TD NO SERIES was involved in an aviation accident near Hartselle, AL. 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.
During a wheel landing, a tailwheel-equipped airplane drifted left and the right wing struck the ground, resulting in substantial damage. The pilot reported no mechanical failures.
Accident Details
A pilot of a tailwheel-equipped airplane experienced a loss of directional control during a wheel landing. The airplane began to drift to the left while the tail was still in the air. The pilot applied right rudder input, but the control input had no effect on the airplane's trajectory.
Pilot Report
The pilot stated that he "went to full power too late" in an attempt to correct the drift. Subsequently, the right wing struck the ground. The airplane continued off the runway and came to rest in a ditch to the left of the runway.
Damage Assessment
The airplane sustained substantial damage to the right wing as a result of the ground contact. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Contributing factors
Directional control — Not attained/maintainedPilot