On July 5, 1995, a Piper PA-20 (registration N6946K) was involved in an aviation accident near Homer, AK. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's decision to land on an unimproved, crowned ridge strip that lacked sufficient length and appropriate surface characteristics for safe deceleration, which resulted in the propeller striking the ground and the aircraft nosing over. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A pilot landing on a narrow, crowned ridge airstrip at 2000 feet encountered ground contact with the propeller as the tail lifted slowly during rollout.
What happened
The aircraft touched down on an unimproved ridge located approximately 2000 feet above sea level. The landing area was restricted, measuring only 1100 feet in length and featuring a distinct crown along its longitudinal axis. According to the pilot, the initial touchdown occurred within the first 100 feet of the available runway surface.
As the aircraft rolled over the central crown of the ridge, the pilot applied the brakes. This action appeared to contribute to the tail lifting slowly rather than remaining grounded. Consequently, the propeller struck the ground, causing the nose gear to collapse and the aircraft to nosed over forward.
The investigation
Examination of the wreckage revealed damage consistent with a nose-over incident. The primary mechanical failure was the propeller striking the terrain due to excessive tail lift during the rollout phase on the crowned surface.
Probable cause
The pilot's decision to land on an unimproved, crowned ridge strip that lacked sufficient length and appropriate surface characteristics for safe deceleration, which resulted in the propeller striking the ground and the aircraft nosing over.