Amateur-built KITFOX II N389HW accident near Blaine, Minnesota

Probable cause

The pilot's improper touchdown and subsequent failure to maintain control of the airplane during the landing roll. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s lack of experience in tailwheel-equipped airplanes.

NTSB analysis

On the pilot's first landing in the accident airplane, the airplane’s tailwheel touched down first, and then the airplane bounced on the main landing gear and rotated to the right. The pilot applied left rudder and added power in an attempt to go-around; however, the airplane’s right main gear and wing tip struck the ground, and the airplane nosed down, shearing off the propeller before coming to rest on the nose. The pilot said there was nothing mechanically wrong with the airplane. He reported only 3.4 hours of previous experience in tailwheel-equipped airplanes. Postaccident examination revealed substantial damage to the right wing spar.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN13CA230 for the full record.