Small Aircraft
Flight Crew Private
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 59; Flight Crew Total 358; Flight Crew Type 31
Other / Unknown; Training / Qualification
Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Published Material / Policy; Ground Event / Encounter Loss Of Aircraft Control; Ground Excursion Runway; Inflight Event / Encounter Weather / Turbulence
General None Reported / Taken
Human Factors
During the roll out after a normal 3 point landing the aircraft veered sharply to the right off the runway and ended up in a ditch. No injuries; no structural damage to the aircraft; or airport property resulted from this incident. Winds were variable. The approach was stable; the landing was smooth. Emergency procedures were activated after the aircraft came to a standstill (fuel shut off & magnetos off) the ELT was activated automatically. I believe this incident was caused by excessive control input; using my right leg on the rudder instead of just my toes. Too much right rudder applied (too long; too strong) I should have just used my toes & ankles on the rudder during the roll out. A possible contributing factor might have been that the front seatbelt (solo from the rear) was buckled but not tight and it was found on the left rudder pedal near the left brake. What I learned from this incident: I will take more tailwheel instruction; focusing on rudder control. I will make the front seatbelt check & secure a checklist item; and I will take an instructor up with me if I feel my skills are rusty or when environmental conditions are challenging.
Small Aircraft Private Pilot reported loss of control during landing.