What happened
The incident occurred during the landing roll of an aircraft. The pilot had landed farther down the runway than typical, resulting in a longer-than-normal ground run. As the aircraft was slowing to gain access to a taxiway, the pilot applied heavy braking.
Due to environmental conditions, the asphalt runway surface was hot, soft, and sticky, with the ambient temperature recorded at 85 degrees Fahrenheit. The application of heavy brakes on this compromised surface caused the aircraft to nose over. Reports indicate that the brakes were operating normally prior to the incident, suggesting the event was driven by the interaction between braking force and runway conditions rather than mechanical failure.
The investigation
Investigative efforts focused on the physical state of the runway and the operation of the aircraft systems. Examination confirmed that the brakes were functioning as designed. The primary finding related to the environmental factors, specifically the high temperature which rendered the asphalt surface soft and sticky, reducing traction and braking efficiency.
Findings
The investigation determined that the nose-over was a direct result of heavy braking applied on a hot, soft, and sticky runway surface. The pilot's decision to land long contributed to the situation by requiring more braking distance than available under those specific conditions. The mechanical integrity of the aircraft was not in question.