Silvaire LUSCOMBE 8F N9918C accident near Georgetown, California

Probable cause

The pilot’s improper recovery from a bounced landing, which resulted in a loss of directional control and subsequent runway excursion.

NTSB analysis

The flight instructor and the private pilot were conducting a biennial flight review in the tailwheel-equipped airplane. The pilot reported that he conducted a normal three-point landing but that, a few seconds later, the airplane bounced and, shortly thereafter, it veered about 30 degrees right. The pilot applied full power as the airplane exited the right side of the runway. The airplane then impacted sloping terrain adjacent to the runway, slid down it, and came to rest. The pilot reported no abnormalities with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for WPR16LA004 for the full record.