Piper PA22 N31JP accident near South Boston, Virginia

Probable cause

The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control during the landing roll.

NTSB analysis

The pilot reported that, during the landing roll, the tailwheel-equipped airplane veered to the left, and he "could not keep the [airplane] on [the] runway using full right rudder." The airplane exited the left side of the runway, continued to turn to the left about 180°, hit an embankment, and the right main landing gear collapsed. Subsequently, the right wing impacted the ground, and the airplane came to rest nose down.

The airplane sustained substantial damage to the right wing.

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

The pilot reported that, about the time of the accident, the wind was from 060° at 7 knots. The pilot landed on runway 19.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for GAA17CA281 for the full record.