FTW97LA282

The pilot described a touchdown on runway 17 at Tahlequah Municipal Airport as 'normal [on] a calm day.' The airplane began to veer to the right, and the pilot attempted to maintain control of the tailwheel airplane utilizing power and rudder inputs. However, the airplane departed the asphalt runway and bounced into the air. The pilot stated that he maneuvered the airplane back to the runway centerline and 'chopped the power.' The airplane then became uncontrollable a second time and veered off the runway to the right at a 45 degree angle. The airplane contacted an unoccupied Stinson airplane that was tied down on the ramp. Both airplanes came to rest upright with the engine and propeller of the accident airplane embedded in the baggage compartment of the Stinson. The pilot stated that the airplane had a flat main right tire on an earlier flight, and he 'believed that the right main tire was low or flat at touchdown.' Examination of the airplane by an FAA inspector confirmed that the right main tire was deflated.

On July 27, 1997, at 1723 central daylight time, a Shapley Quickie-200 homebuilt airplane, N618RJ, registered to and operated by a private owner, was substantially damaged following a loss of control while landing at Tahlequah Municipal Airport (HF3), Tahlequah, Oklahoma. The private pilot, sole occupant of the airplane, received minor injuries. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the Title 14 CFR Part 91 personal flight, and a flight plan was not filed for the flight that originated from Tradewind Airport (TDW), Amarillo, Texas, at 1530.

The pilot reported in the Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report (NTSB form 6120.1/2) that he departed Amarillo, Texas, en route to Tahlequah, Oklahoma. He stated that he did not notice any discrepancies during the pre-flight. The pilot described the touchdown on runway 17 as "normal [on] a calm day." The aircraft began to veer to the right and the pilot attempted to maintain control of the tailwheel airplane utilizing power and rudder inputs. Subsequently, the airplane departed the asphalt runway and bounced into the air. The pilot stated that he maneuvered the airplane back to the runway centerline and "chopped the power." The aircraft then became uncontrollable a second time and veered off the runway to the right, at a 45 degree angle. The airplane contacted a static, unoccupied Stinson airplane that was tied down on the ramp. Both airplanes came to rest upright, with the engine and propeller of the Quickie embedded in the baggage compartment of the Stinson.

The pilot stated that the airplane had experienced a flat main right tire on an earlier flight, and "he believed that the right main tire was low or flat at touchdown."

The weather at Fort Smith Airport (FMS), Fort Smith, Oklahoma, 95 nautical miles southeast of Tahlequah, at 1653 was clear and visibility 9 statute miles. The winds were recorded from 160 degrees at 7 knots.

Examination of the Quickie airplane, by the FAA inspector revealed that the fuselage was broken just ahead of the vertical fin. The left wing was damaged two feet from the tip, and the left canard was "sheared off" about mid-span. The canopy was also damaged. The right main tire was found deflated, and the wheel would not move freely. The right main brake assembly appeared to be operational with no signs of damage or leakage.