Accident Overview
A private pilot conducting a cross-country flight experienced problems with the aircraft's radios, leading to an inability to continue communications. After passing the airport to which air traffic control had previously vectored her, the pilot decided to perform a precautionary landing in a field adjacent to an airstrip.
Landing and Nose-Over
During the flare, the pilot recognized that the field surface was rippled but continued the landing. During the landing roll, she applied the brakes, and the airplane nosed over.
Post-Accident Examination
An FAA inspector examined the aircraft's electrical system and discovered a loose terminal at the toggle switch connection of the avionics bus. Prior to the accident, another pilot had noted that the avionics switch did not activate the radios and required multiple manipulations to apply power. Maintenance personnel had turned the switch on but could not duplicate the problem, and no further maintenance was performed.