NTSB Factual Report

On April 22, 2003, approximately 2020 central daylight time, a Hackney Vans RV-6A experimental homebuilt airplane, N528DH, experienced a loss of control while landing at a private hard surface airstrip near Canton, Texas. The airplane was owned by a private individual and flown by the pilot under 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91. The commercial pilot, sole occupant, received minor injuries, and the airplane sustained substantial damage. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the personal flight, and a flight plan was not filed. The cross-country flight originated from Anadarko Municipal Airport (F68), Anadarko, Oklahoma, approximately 1835.

On the Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report (NTSB Form 6120.1/2), the 5,000 hour pilot reported that during the landing flare/touchdown on runway 14, the airplane drifted to the left of the 2,600 foot long runway. The airplane drifted into the grass and soft terrain, the nose landing gear dug into the soft ground about 1,000 feet past the touchdown point and the airplane nosed over, coming to rest in the inverted position.

Local authorities, airport personnel, and the pilot examined the airplane. The airplane fuselage canopy, vertical stabilizer, rudder, and propeller were found damaged.

The U. S. Naval Observatory reported sunset at 1959, and the end of civil twilight at 2025.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the landing flare/touchdown. A contributing factor was the soft terrain.