Amateur-built LSA-8X N912Z accident near Hyannis, Massachusetts

Probable cause

The pilot’s failure to maintain control of the airplane while landing, which resulted in a ground loop and subsequent nose over.

NTSB analysis

The pilot reported that this was the first flight of the experimental exhibition airplane. After departure, she performed maneuvers in the airplane and observed acceptable performance of certain flight instruments, flight controls, and avionics. After she finished the maneuvers, the pilot flew to her destination airport. According to the pilot, everything was normal until touchdown, when the airplane landed hard, bounced, and began to porpoise. The pilot reported, “I realized I should have gone around too late.” The airplane then ground looped and nosed over, which resulted in substantial damage to the airplane’s fuselage and empennage. The pilot stated that there were no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures of the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ERA26LA202 for the full record.