Amateur-built RV-6 N691RV accident near Ridgeland, South Carolina

Probable cause

The pilot's inadvertent use of the wheel brakes during touchdown and his failure to maintain directional control. Contributing to the accident was the flight instructor's delayed remedial action.

NTSB analysis

The flight instructor and the pilot receiving instruction reported that, upon touchdown on the runway, the tailwheel-equipped airplane drifted to the right. The flight instructor commanded a go-around; however, the airplane exited the right side of the runway, nosed over, and came to rest inverted. The pilot told the flight instructor that he had his feet on the brakes during the landing. Postaccident examination revealed that tire marks, consistent with heavy braking, began on the runway around the point of touchdown and continued to the point where the airplane exited the side of the runway. The pilot reported that there were no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ERA12LA456 for the full record.