This August 2010 accident report is provided by the National Transportation Safety Board. Published as an educational tool, it is intended to help pilots learn from the misfortunes of others.
Aircraft: RV-8. Injuries: None. Location: Yadkinville, N.C. Aircraft damage: Substantial.
What reportedly happened: The pilot was practicing touch-and-goes.
During approach for the first landing, he noted that the flight controls felt less responsive than normal and that the airplane was in a nose-high configuration.
The plane was fast on approach and touched down hard in a level attitude. The impact resulted in damage to the right wing spar.
The pilot noted that he should have increased the engine power during the landing approach.
Probable cause: The pilot’s inadequate flare, which resulted in a hard landing.
For more information: NTSB.gov. NTSB Identification: ERA10CA452
