American Champion Aircraft 8KCAB N68JK accident near Cordova, South Carolina

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to maintain the runway heading, which resulted in the airplane not being aligned with the runway and a subsequent runway excursion.

NTSB analysis

According to the pilot, during approach he slipped the airplane down to the private turf airstrip. He reported that when he recovered from the slip, the nose of the airplane was not aligned with the airstrip heading, and still not aligned during touchdown. The pilot reported that he was not able to correct the airplane's heading during the landing roll and the airplane impacted the corn stalks that bordered the airstrip. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the ribs of both wings and both ailerons.

The pilot reported that there were no mechanical failures or anomalies with any portion of the airplane that would have prevented normal flight operations.

The pilot reported that the wind at the airstrip was calm.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for GAA16CA426 for the full record.