Incident Overview
An airplane equipped with 29-inch tundra tires experienced a nose-over during landing on a wet, sandy gravel bar. According to the pilot, the back seat heater had been blowing hot air onto the brake master cylinders, which had recently been serviced. Upon touchdown, the aircraft began to nose over. The pilot attempted to add power and keep the tail down using airflow, but the airplane continued to roll onto its back. Skid marks were measured to be 154 feet from the touchdown point.
Sequence of Events
The landing was attempted on a soft, saturated surface. The pilot's account indicates that the brake system may have been compromised by heat from the cabin heater. Despite corrective actions, the aircraft was unable to maintain a stable attitude and inverted.
Physical Evidence
Investigators observed a continuous skid mark extending 154 feet from the point of touchdown, consistent with the aircraft's trajectory during the nose-over sequence. The tundra tires left distinct impressions on the gravel bar surface.