Amateur-built CH 701 N701XS accident near Lusby, Maryland

Probable cause

The pilot’s improper landing flare, which resulted in a hard, bounced landing and runway excursion.

NTSB analysis

The airplane owner reported that, during the flight, he was seated in the right seat, and the pilot flying was seated in the left seat. The pilot held an airline transport pilot certificate with single-engine land and flight instructor ratings. He added that the experimental amateur-built airplane had one throttle located on the far-left side of the cabin, one set of brakes located on the left rudder pedals, and nosewheel steering that was interconnected with the rudder pedals.

He further reported that the pilot started and taxied the airplane for takeoff; performed climbs, descents, and turns; and then landed. During landing, the airplane was fast, touched down hard, and bounced about 20 to 25 ft. The pilot then said, "Oh that's alright I got it," leveled the airplane, and continued the landing. Subsequently, the airplane porpoised, landed with the nose left of the runway centerline, veered off the runway to the left, and struck a tree.

The owner added that, during the landing, he told the pilot "nose down, right rudder," and during the runway excursion, he yelled "brakes!" He added that the pilot never reduced throttle to idle, and he never felt the application of brakes.

The airplane sustained substantial damage to the right wing and fuselage.

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

The pilot's lawyer reported that his client was not the pilot flying the airplane because he did not have previous training in the category, class, and type of aircraft.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for GAA18CA259 for the full record.