The pilot, who was recovering from a recent illness, told investigators that after hand-propping the tailwheel-equipped Super Chief’s engine to start it, he became extremely tired.
Later during the flight, he realized he was too tired to continue and returned to the airport in Blountstown, Florida, to land.
During the landing he lost control of the airplane.
In addition to the landing gear, the left wing and fuselage were substantially damaged during the accident.
The pilot stated that there were no mechanical malfunctions or failures of the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Probable Cause: The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control of the airplane during the landing.
To download the final report. Click here. This will trigger a PDF download to your device.
This December 2020 accident report is provided by the National Transportation Safety Board. Published as an educational tool, it is intended to help pilots learn from the misfortunes of others.
I wonder if the pilot was also too tired to pre-flight the plane? Seriously, if this guy doesn’t know enough to practice I’M SAFE, he shouldn’t be flying at all.
Precisely!