Aircraft Runway Excursion and Nose-over at Sod Runway Airport

Casualties unknown • Eagle Bend, MN, US

A pilot experienced a runway excursion and subsequent nose-over after landing on a narrow sod runway with a malfunctioning airspeed indicator.

What happened

The flight began with the aircraft operating under the influence of a malfunctioning airspeed indicator. Upon arriving at the airport, which features a 50-foot wide sod runway, the pilot initially attempted a landing approach but was forced to perform a go-around after overshooting the runway.

During the second approach, the pilot landed approximately 40 percent down the length of the runway. The pilot noted that while he was unsure of his actual ground speed, the approach felt faster than usual. The aircraft touched down on the left side of the runway with a slight right yaw attitude. As the landing roll continued, the aircraft veered to the right, departed the runway, and entered a plowed field, where it subsequently nosed over.

No injuries were reported in the accident.

Probable cause

The pilot's inability to accurately determine ground speed due to a malfunctioning airspeed indicator, leading to an improper landing position and subsequent runway excursion.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1991-06-14 Piper PA-22-150 accident near Eagle Bend, MN?

A pilot experienced a runway excursion and subsequent nose-over after landing on a narrow sod runway with a malfunctioning airspeed indicator.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1991-06-14 involved a Piper PA-22-150, registration N3130Z, operated by Randall M. Hess, at Eagle Bend, MN.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's inability to accurately determine ground speed due to a malfunctioning airspeed indicator, leading to an improper landing position and subsequent runway excursion.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001212X17223. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.

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