Aircraft Nosed Over During Landing Demonstration

Casualties unknown • Placerville, CA, US

A conventional gear airplane nosed over after veering off the runway during a landing demonstration by a flight instructor.

What happened

A commercial pilot had recently purchased a conventional gear airplane from a Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) and requested a check-out flight. During the flight, the CFI supervised the owner through an initial landing.

Following the first landing, the CFI took control of the aircraft to demonstrate the performance characteristics of a three-point touchdown. During the rollout phase of this demonstration, the airplane began to veer to the right. The CFI attempted to correct the deviation by applying left rudder, but the aircraft continued its rightward roll. As a result, the airplane exited the side of the runway and entered a dirt area, where it nosed over.

The occupants were not injured during the incident.

Probable cause

The pilot's attempt to correct a rightward veer with left rudder was unsuccessful, leading the aircraft to exit the runway and nose over.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1996-04-08 Cessna 185F accident near Placerville, CA?

A conventional gear airplane nosed over after veering off the runway during a landing demonstration by a flight instructor.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1996-04-08 involved a Cessna 185F, registration N61905, at Placerville, CA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's attempt to correct a rightward veer with left rudder was unsuccessful, leading the aircraft to exit the runway and nose over.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001208X05609. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.

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