Probable cause
The pilot's incorrect installation of the tailwheel steering bungee, which resulted in a runway excursion and airplane nose over.
NTSB analysis
According to the pilot of the tailwheel-equipped airplane, after performing an initial test flight, during the landing roll the airplane rapidly veered right and the left wing struck the ground. The pilot reported that he overcorrected by applying full left rudder and the airplane exited the left side of the runway and nosed over. The pilot affirmed that prior to the flight he performed maintenance on the airplane to include the tail wheel single bungee steering system. The pilot reported that he installed the bungee incorrectly. The airplane sustained substantial both wings, the windshield and the fuselage.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for GAA16CA190 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Apr 12, 2016
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Chandler, Arizona
- Nearest airport
- Chandler Muni (CHD)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
110
- N-number
- N501W
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1930
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Flight test
From the NTSB aviation accident database: N-registered aircraft, events since 2008, data through Oct 28, 2026. The file is published monthly, so the latest weeks are incomplete and recent records can change. The official source is the NTSB aviation investigation search. CheckAero is independent and not affiliated with the NTSB.