Great Lakes 2T1A N16GL accident near Canon City, Colorado

Probable cause

The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control during the landing roll. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s unstabilized approach.

NTSB analysis

The pilot of the tailwheel-equipped biplane reported that she extended the downwind leg due to other aircraft in the traffic pattern and that, while on the extended final, she put the biplane in a "slip." During the slip, the windsock was out of view. She further reported that, during the landing flare, she noticed that the "ground-speed" was higher than normal and that "about 800 ft" after touchdown, the biplane "violently swerved to the right." She attempted to recover with rudder inputs; however, the biplane veered off the runway and came to rest inverted.

The biplane sustained substantial damage to the empennage.

The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airframe or engine that would have precluded normal operation.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for GAA17CA125 for the full record.