CEN09LA329

The private pilot lost control of the experimental single-engine airplane during landing, resulting in substantial damage to the vertical stabilizer. Examination of the airplane and engine revealed no preaccident discrepancies.

On May 29, 2009, at 2208 central daylight time, N118TX, an experimental Thorpe T-18, was substantially damaged after a loss of control while landing at Pecan Plantation Airport (0TX1), Granbury, Texas. The private pilot was seriously injured. The airplane was registered to and operated by the pilot. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan was filed for the personal flight conducted under 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91. The airplane wreckage was examined on August 6, 2009, under the supervision of the Safety Board. The airplane came to rest inverted as a result of the accident and subsequently sustained substantial damage to the wings and the vertical stabilizer. No pre-mishap mechanical deficiencies were noted with the airplane or the engine. A review of the airplane maintenance logbook revealed that the last condition inspection was completed on September 30, 2008, at a tachometer time of 240.48. The pilot sustained serious injuries as a result of the accident and NTSB form 6120.1, Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident/Incident Report, had not been submitted at the time this report was completed. The weather at Granbury Regional Airport, approximately 9 miles northwest of the accident site, at 2224, was reported as winds from 110 degrees at 3 knots, visibility 10 miles, scattered clouds at 7,500 feet, temperature 32 degrees Celsius, 11 degrees Celsius, and a barometric pressure setting of 30.02 inches.