Aircraft nosed over after runway excursion during landing

Casualties unknown • Providence, KY, US

An aircraft veered off a runway and nosed over onto wet grass following a landing complicated by a sticking brake and heavy crosswinds.

What happened

During the takeoff roll prior to the accident, the pilot observed that the left brake was sticking. The flight continued to the destination, where the aircraft encountered moderate to severe turbulence and a 90-degree left crosswind. Due to the combination of the crosswind and the mechanical issue with the brake, the pilot elected to land on the right side of the runway.

Upon touchdown, the airplane began drifting to the right. The pilot attempted to compensate by applying light pressure to the left brake. This resulted in the aircraft veering to the left, exiting the runway and traveling onto wet, grassy terrain, where it nosed over.

The investigation

An examination of the runway identified tire skid marks measuring between 300 and 400 feet in length. These marks continued from the runway across the grass and ended at the location of the inverted airplane.

Probable cause

The pilot's attempt to compensate for a rightward drift using the left brake, combined with a sticking left brake and significant crosswinds, caused the aircraft to veer off the runway.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1996-05-12 Cessna 185 accident near Providence, KY?

An aircraft veered off a runway and nosed over onto wet grass following a landing complicated by a sticking brake and heavy crosswinds.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1996-05-12 involved a Cessna 185, registration N58LE, operated by Neil Kaufman, at Providence, KY.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's attempt to compensate for a rightward drift using the left brake, combined with a sticking left brake and significant crosswinds, caused the aircraft to veer off the runway.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001208X05789. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.

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