Pilot Applied Full Right Rudder, “Not Realizing My Feet Were Partially On The Brakes...”

Location: Burlington, Washington Accident Number: WPR23LA271
Date & Time: July 11, 2023, 12:50 Local Registration: N8889K
Aircraft: Stinson 108-1 Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Defining Event: Loss of control on ground Injuries: 1 None
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General aviation - Personal

Analysis: The pilot in the tailwheel equipped airplane reported that, while landing with a crosswind, a gust of wind was encountered that “caught my tail” and pushed the airplane to the left. The pilot applied full right rudder, “not realizing my feet were partially on the brakes,” and full throttle to abort the landing. The airplane turned to the right and the pilot applied left rudder to keep the airplane on the runway. The airplane entered the runway safety area, impacted a berm, resulting in the airplane becoming airborne, sending it into the parking area at the airport. The airplane impacted the top of another airplane tied down in the parking area. The right wing and fuselage were substantially damaged. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. At the time of the accident, the pilot was landing on runway 29 with wind from 180° at 8 knots.

Probable Cause and Findings: The National Transportation Safety Board determines the probable cause(s) of this accident to be -- The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control during the landing roll with a quartering tailwind.

FMI: www.ntsb.gov