On July 5, 2018, a North American AT 6D was involved in an aviation accident near Moneta, VA. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain a proper descent rate, which resulted in a bounced landing and his subsequent failure to maintain directional. This summary draws on records from NTSB; 12 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
During a three-point landing, a tailwheel airplane bounced, veered sharply right after touchdown, ground looped, collapsed the left landing gear, and struck trees. The pilot reported a higher than normal descent rate and no preaccident mechanical failures.
Accident Details
The pilot of a tailwheel-equipped airplane reported that during the landing sequence, the aircraft executed a three-point touchdown, which resulted in a bounce. Following the bounce, upon subsequent touchdown, the airplane veered sharply to the right. It then ground looped, causing the left landing gear to collapse. The airplane subsequently impacted trees.
Pilot Report
The pilot stated that his descent rate was higher than normal during the approach. He further reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. The pilot did not submit the NTSB Form 6120.1 Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident/Incident Report.
Damage
The airplane sustained substantial damage to both wings.
Frequently asked questions
What happened in the 5 Jul 2018 North American AT 6D accident near Moneta, VA?
During a three-point landing, a tailwheel airplane bounced, veered sharply right after touchdown, ground looped, collapsed the left landing gear, and struck trees. The pilot reported a higher than normal descent rate and no preaccident mechanical failures.
Were there any fatalities in the 5 Jul 2018 North American AT 6D accident?
No fatalities were recorded in this accident.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 5 Jul 2018 involved a North American AT 6D, at Moneta, VA.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The pilot's failure to maintain a proper descent rate, which resulted in a bounced landing and his subsequent failure to maintain directional.