Piper PA 18-150 N929SC accident near Mayaguez, Puerto Rico

Probable cause

The pilot's loss of directional control of the airplane during landing, which resulted in a runway excursion.

NTSB analysis

According to a written statement provided by the pilot to a Federal Aviation Administration inspector, he performed a three-point landing in the tailwheel equipped airplane. The airplane "bounced two times," and then it veered to the right. According to a written statement from the passenger, the "approach was normal, [but the] problems started after touchdown." The airplane turned to the right, the pilot initiated a go around; however, the left wing rose up, and the airplane "lost control" to the right. The airplane came to rest in the grass on the right side of the runway, and incurred substantial damage to the firewall and fuselage. A postaccident examination of the airplane revealed no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ERA14CA140 for the full record.