Xtremeair Gmbh XP-30/2002339 N143WP accident near Santa Ynez, California

Probable cause

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

NTSB analysis

The pilot of the tailwheel-equipped experimental airplane reported that he touched down too fast during the landing. He applied brake pressure and the airplane veered to the right; he then attempted to apply corrective control inputs and the airplane swerved to the left. The airplane then departed the runway surface and collided with a ditch, sustaining substantial damage to the right wing. The pilot reported no mechanical anomalies with the airplane’s engine or flight control systems, and that this was his first flight in the airplane.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for WPR09CA367 for the full record.