On November 29, 1996, a Luscombe 8F (registration N1907K) was involved in an aviation accident near Floydada, TX. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's inadequate compensation for the crosswind during landing. Factors were the crosswind and the locked left main wheel brake. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
During landing on runway 17 with gusty westerly winds, the pilot lost directional control. Left brake locked, causing the tail to rise and the airplane to nose over.
Accident Description
During the landing roll on runway 17, the pilot encountered strong winds reported as 'out of the west at 20 to 30 knots and gusty.' The pilot was unable to prevent the airplane from initiating 'a steep turn towards the west.' Application of left brake did not slow the rightward turn. As the pilot increased pressure on the left brake, the brake 'locked,' causing the tail to come up and the airplane to nose over.
Wind Conditions
Winds recorded at a location 32 nautical miles from the accident site, 4 minutes prior to the accident, were from 220 degrees at 19 knots. No other wind data from the accident site itself was provided.
Sequence of Events
The airplane was on its landing roll when the pilot noted the airplane beginning to turn steeply to the west. Despite applying left brake, the turn continued. Increasing brake pressure resulted in the left brake locking. This led to the tail rising and the airplane nosing over onto its back. The pilot's actions were unable to prevent the loss of control.