NTSB Factual Report

On January 30, 2001, at 1645 central standard time, a Schmidt Questair Venture single-engine experimental airplane, N425V, was substantially damaged after it impacted terrain during landing roll at the Fort Worth Mecham International Airport near Fort Worth, Texas. The airline transport pilot, sole occupant of the aircraft, was not injured. The airplane was registered to and operated by the pilot. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and flight plan was not filed for the 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight. The local flight departed the Fort Worth Mecham International Airport at 1615.

According to the pilot's written statement, he landed the airplane on runway 34R with a left crosswind. Immediately after the nose landing gear touched down, the airplane veered toward the left side of the runway. In an attempt to correct, the pilot applied maximum right rudder and brake. The airplane exited the left side of the runway, contacted soft ground, and the nose landing gear strut brace broke. As the nose of the airplane dug into the ground, the left wing tip dug into the dirt, and the left wing separated from the airplane. The airplane nosed over and came to rest inverted.

According to the pilot, the wind at the time of the accident was from 300 degrees at 14 knots.

At 1653, the Fort Worth weather observation facility reported the wind was from 300 degrees at 10 knots.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the landing roll. Factors were the crosswind and soft terrain condition.