Casualties unknown

Check Pilot Reports Wheel Landing Preceded Nose-Over During Landing on Sloped Airstrip (N53488)

Milton, DE, US

On October 16, 1987, a Boeing A75N1 (registration N53488) operated by Joseph R. Hudson was involved in an aviation accident near Milton, DE. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE PILOT'S IMPROPER BRAKE APPLICATION DURING A 'WHEEL' LANDING, WHICH RESULTED IN THE AIRCRAFT NOSING OVER. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

During a wheel landing on a sloped airstrip, the aircraft touched down tail-high on a crest, continued downslope with a quartering tailwind, then nosed over after brake application, ending inverted on the grass.

Landing Sequence

According to the check pilot, the pilot performed a wheel landing on the accident aircraft. The touchdown occurred on top of a crest in the airstrip with the tail held high. The aircraft then continued down the slight slope while experiencing a quartering tailwind.

Nose-Over Event

As the aircraft descended the slope, the pilot applied the brakes. Immediately afterward, the aircraft nosed over and came to rest inverted on the grass strip. The check pilot provided these observations following the incident.

Conditions and Outcomes

The check pilot described the landing as a wheel landing, a technique often used on tailwheel aircraft. The combination of a tail-high touchdown on a crest, a downslope, and a quartering tailwind preceded the brake application. The aircraft ended up inverted on the grass, with no further details on damage or injuries provided by the source.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 16 Oct 1987 Boeing A75N1 accident near Milton, DE?

During a wheel landing on a sloped airstrip, the aircraft touched down tail-high on a crest, continued downslope with a quartering tailwind, then nosed over after brake application, ending inverted on the grass.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 16 Oct 1987 involved a Boeing A75N1, registration N53488, operated by Joseph R. Hudson, at Milton, DE.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

THE PILOT'S IMPROPER BRAKE APPLICATION DURING A 'WHEEL' LANDING, WHICH RESULTED IN THE AIRCRAFT NOSING OVER. THE SLIGHT DOWNSLOPE OF THE AIRSTRIP, A QUARTERING TAILWIND, INADEQUATE SUPERVISION ON THE PART OF THE CHECK PILOT, AND THE PILOT'S LACK OF FAMILIARITY WITH THE ACCIDENT AIRCRAFT ALL CONTRIBUTED TO THE ACCIDENT.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001213X32268. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.