Casualties unknown

Pilot Reports Nose-Over After Encountering Wet Grass During Landing Roll (N8510L)

Waynesville, OH, US

On April 10, 1996, a Piper PA-25-235 (registration N8510L) was involved in an aviation accident near Waynesville, OH. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain control of the accident aircraft during the landing roll. Factors were the wet portion of the grass runway and the pilot's selection of a landing runway with a 10 knot quartering tailwind. 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

A pilot returning from a glider tow experienced a nose-over during the landing roll when his airplane hit a soft, wet section of a grass runway. The pilot reported a quartering tailwind.

Incident Overview

A pilot reported that after completing a glider tow, he returned to land at a grass airstrip. The approach and touchdown were normal, according to the pilot. However, during the landing roll, the airplane encountered a soft, wet portion of the runway. The pilot stated that "the tail came up and [the airplane] nosed over."

Environmental Conditions

The pilot noted that there was a 10-knot quartering tailwind during the landing. An FAA inspector who examined the site stated that the grass runway was well maintained and mowed. The inspector also noted that the wet section of the runway was not visually evident prior to the accident.

Aftermath

The airplane sustained damage from the nose-over. No further details about injuries or damage were provided in the source. The pilot's account and the FAA inspector's observations constitute the available information about the event.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 10 Apr 1996 Piper PA-25-235 accident near Waynesville, OH?

A pilot returning from a glider tow experienced a nose-over during the landing roll when his airplane hit a soft, wet section of a grass runway. The pilot reported a quartering tailwind.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 10 Apr 1996 involved a Piper PA-25-235, registration N8510L, at Waynesville, OH.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's failure to maintain control of the accident aircraft during the landing roll. Factors were the wet portion of the grass runway and the pilot's selection of a landing runway with a 10 knot quartering tailwind.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001208X05585. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.