NTSB Factual Report

On July 6, 2006, at 1930 Pacific daylight time, an experimental Barnard RV-6, N157ST, veered off runway 9 during a bounced landing recovery and impacted trees at Pine Mountain Lake, Groveland, California. The owner/pilot operated the airplane under the provisions of 14 CFR Part 91, as a cross-country flight. The airplane sustained substantial damage. The pilot and one passenger were not injured, and there were no ground injuries. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the flight and no flight plan had been filed. The flight departed San Carlos Airport, San Carlos, California, at 1845.

According to the pilot's written statement, he made a straight-in approach for runway 9 and miscalculated the flare. The airplane landed hard and bounced into the air. He added full power in an attempt to abort the landing; however, the airplane rolled to the left due to "P-factor torque." The airplane impacted the taxiway, slid down an embankment, and came to rest between two small trees.

A deputy from Tuolumne County Sheriff's Department reported that the airplane came to rest 50 yards from the runway against a tree in the backyard of a residence. He located a skid mark on the taxiway surface, and noted that a portion of the airport perimeter fence had separated and was in the wreckage path.

A pilot/witness who was airborne at the time reported that after the airplane touched down on the runway the right wing lifted into the air, which turned the airplane 90 degrees to the left. The airplane departed the runway, went through the airport perimeter fence, and hit a tree.

NTSB Probable Cause

the misjudged flare by the pilot that resulted in a hard bounced landing, and his failure to maintain directional control during the attempted recovery.