Accident Details
On June 29, 2019, at 1345 central daylight time, an experimental amateur-built Vans RV8 airplane, registration N678LL, departed the left side of runway 18 during landing at Joplin Regional Airport (JLN) in Joplin, Missouri. The airplane sustained substantial damage. The private pilot and a passenger were not injured. The aircraft was registered to Joplin Flyers Inc and operated by Joplin Flyers Flying Club under Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91. The flight, which originated from Sulphur Springs Municipal Airport in Sulphur Springs, Texas, and was destined for JLN, was not conducted on a flight plan. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time.
Pilot Report
The pilot reported performing a normal landing with flaps fully extended and touching down on the main wheels at about 65 knots. He applied forward pressure on the control stick to keep the main wheels on the ground. While the tail was still elevated and the airplane speed was about 50 knots, he felt the airplane suddenly veer hard left. He applied right rudder immediately, then full right rudder, but the airplane continued turning left and skidded 90 degrees. The airplane came to a stop after the right main landing gear collapsed and the right wing struck the ground, resulting in substantial damage. The passenger reported feeling a bump just before the veer, but the pilot did not notice any bump. The pilot speculated that the bump and damage to the left wheel fairing might have been caused by debris he had observed on the runway during the landing. He recommended that airport personnel regularly inspect runways for debris.
Airport and ATC Observations
As part of the airport's standard operating procedures, runways are regularly inspected. Inspections conducted before and after the accident revealed no evidence of foreign objects or debris, other than the accident airplane. According to a Federal Aviation Administration inspector, air traffic control tower personnel reported seeing the airplane initially veer hard right, then immediately veer left and "came around."
Examination Findings
A post-accident examination of the airplane revealed no mechanical anomalies with the brake, wheel, or flight control systems that would have precluded normal operation. The landing gear wheels spun freely, and the wheels stopped when the brake was applied and disengaged when released.