Probable cause
The pilot's improper landing flare, which resulted in a bounced landing.
NTSB analysis
According to the pilot in the tailwheel-equipped, experimental, amateur-built airplane, he had practiced two takeoffs and landings and then decided to refuel the airplane. After refueling the airplane, he flew one more pattern before flying to his home airport. The pilot stated that, during the landing flare, the airplane "seemed as if it was being pushed down." The left wing struck the runway, the airplane landed on the right main landing gear, and the airplane then bounced. The propeller struck the ground, and the airplane exited the right side of the runway and then stopped.
The airplane sustained substantial damage to the left wing spar.
The METAR at the airport about the time of the accident reported that the wind was calm.
The pilot reported that there were no mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for GAA18CA451 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Jul 28, 2018
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Pickens, South Carolina
- Nearest airport
- Pickens County (LQK)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Amateur-built RV 6
- N-number
- N24CM
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1994
- 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.