Amateur-built RV6A N5060 accident near Mankato, Minnesota

Probable cause

The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control while landing with a higher airspeed.

NTSB analysis

The pilot reported that while landing the airplane slowed and, as the nosewheel touched down, the airplane abruptly lurched to the side. The airplane exited the runway surface, struck a berm, became airborne, and came to rest nose down near the airport perimeter fence. The firewall, left wing, and rudder sustained substantial damage.

A postaccident examination of the flight controls and landing gear revealed no mechanical anomalies that would have precluded normal operations; the damage was consistent with impact and overload from the accident sequence. Based upon the ground scars and condition of the nose landing gear it is likely that the pilot landed the airplane with excessive speed and lost directional control.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN22LA191 for the full record.