Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain a proper descent rate, which resulted in a bounced landing and his subsequent failure to maintain directional.
NTSB analysis
The pilot of the tailwheel-equipped airplane reported that, during landing, he made a three-point touchdown, and the airplane bounced. Following the bounce, upon touchdown, the airplane veered sharply right and ground looped, the left landing gear collapsed, and the airplane impacted trees. The pilot added that the descent rate was higher than normal.
The airplane sustained substantial damage to both wings.
The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for GAA18CA414 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Jul 5, 2018
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Moneta, Virginia
- Nearest airport
- Smith Mountain Lake (W91)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
North American AT
- N-number
- N29963
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1942
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Personal
From the NTSB aviation accident database: N-registered aircraft, events since 2008, data through Oct 28, 2026. The file is published monthly, so the latest weeks are incomplete and recent records can change. The official source is the NTSB aviation investigation search. CheckAero is independent and not affiliated with the NTSB.