North American SNJ-4 N243CC accident near Ashland, Ohio

Probable cause

The pilot’s improper recovery from a bounced landing, which resulted in a loss of directional control.

NTSB analysis

The private pilot of the tailwheel-equipped airplane stated that, during a "wheel landing," the airplane bounced twice upon touchdown then veered off the runway into a grass area. The pilot was unable to return the airplane to the runway surface because the airplane was "slipping on the grass" while the pilot applied left rudder and left wheel brake. The airplane nosed over when it came to a stop in the grass area and came to rest inverted. The pilot stated that there were no mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane. According to the Airplane Flying Handbook, corrective action from a bounced landing is dependent upon its severity, and such action can range from an application of power to cushion a subsequent landing to performance of a go-around.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN17LA323 for the full record.