NTSB Factual Report

On May 31, 2002, at 1505 central daylight time, an experimental Golias RV6 single-engine airplane, N16PG, sustained substantial damage when it impacted terrain following a loss of control during landing near Leander, Texas. The airplane was registered to and operated by the pilot. The private pilot and his pilot rated passenger were not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and a visual flight rules (VFR) flight plan was not filed for the 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight. The flight originated from Lago Vista, Texas, at 1445.

In the Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report (NTSB Form 6120.1/2), the pilot reported that he and his passenger departed the Lago Vista (5R3) airport for a return flight to Georgetown Municipal Airport (GTU), Georgetown, Texas, but decided to divert to the Kittie Hill Airport (77T), Leander, Texas, to practice some short field landings. The pilot stated that he flew over the airport, checked the windsock, and determined the wind to be from 010 to 020 degrees at 5 to 8 knots. He then set up his approach for runway 35, a 3,450 feet long, 55 feet wide turf airstrip. The pilot made his first full stop landing "at the usual approach speed of 80 miles per hour (mph)." Not being satisfied with the first landing, the pilot decided to attempt another landing. He reported using 40 degrees of flaps, a final approach airspeed of 75 mph, and a steeper decent angle on his second landing, "intending to try for a smoother transition." In an attempt to stop the sink rate, full power was applied; however, the aircraft impacted the runway, bounced hard, and veered to the left. The pilot stated that he believed a combination of letting his airspeed degrade and starting his flare too soon led to an eventual high sink rate. As the pilot lowered the nose, he lost directional control and realized "I was heading for the bushes and trees." The pilot stated that this is where he "pulled the power off." The airplane traveled approximately 30 feet to the left and parallel to the runway where the propeller impacted a berm estimated to be 15 inches high.

The pilot reported the right landing gear was folded aft and upward against the bottom of the wing, and the left landing gear was bent aft several inches. The lower right corner of the fuselage, where the motor mount attaches, was bent inward. The right elevator was also damaged.

NTSB Probable Cause

the pilot's failure to maintain directional control while landing. Contributing factor is the pilot's improper recovery from a bounced landing.