NTSB Factual Report

The pilot/owner was practicing takeoffs and landings in the recently certificated experimental amateur-built airplane at the time of the accident. After completing an adjustment of the left wing to control a rolling tendency, as well as multiple adjustments to the hand-operated brakes, the pilot performed a short flight over the runway, and landed back about 400 feet beyond the point of takeoff. The airplane touched down about 55 knots airspeed, and the pilot applied the brakes. The airplane did not slow and departed the left side of the runway. The airplane continued approximately 900 feet after touchdown, before it collided with terrain, and came to rest inverted resulting in substantial damage to the wings. After the accident, the pilot could not recall if he had reduced the throttle upon landing. Examination of the cockpit revealed that the flight controls, engine controls, and the hand-operated brake control were of a non-standard configuration, and all had matching red handles. It was also noted that application of the brakes required the pilot to release the control stick. Other than the known wing and brake anomalies, the pilot reported no mechanical deficiencies with the airplane.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot did not maintain directional control during landing. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s not closing the throttle upon landing and his improper adjustment of the airplane’s brakes.