Aviat Aircraft Inc A-1 N33HY accident near Phoenix, Arizona

Probable cause

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

NTSB analysis

According to the pilot of the tailwheel-equipped airplane, his intent was to perform a wheel landing, but during touchdown, the airplane bounced and a gust of wind lifted the left wing. The pilot applied left stick and right rudder to maintain directional control. The left wing settled, the nose of the airplane yawed to the right, and the tailwheel settled to the runway. The pilot applied aft stick and left rudder, but the left wing lifted again, and the nose yawed to the left. The right wing struck the ground and the airplane exited the runway to the left, where the right main landing gear collapsed. The airplane came to rest on the right wingtip and began leaking fuel.

The airplane sustained substantial damage to the right-wing.

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

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for GAA18CA091 for the full record.