On April 5, 1999, a Vans RV-6A (registration N239RB) was involved in an aviation accident near Cedar Creek, NC. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's decision to land on a grass strip with soft turf conditions that led to the aircraft nosing over. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
Visibility dropped shortly after takeoff, prompting a pilot to attempt a precautionary landing on a private grass strip where soft turf caused the aircraft to nose over.
What happened
The flight began with normal operations until conditions changed rapidly. Shortly after leaving the ground, the pilot noticed that visibility was deteriorating significantly. Faced with reduced visual references, the pilot initially decided to divert and land at an airport located short of the original destination.
However, as the situation worsened, the decision was made to execute a precautionary landing on a private grass strip instead. Upon touchdown on the runway surface, the aircraft encountered soft turf conditions. The ground reaction caused the airplane to nose over immediately after landing. No mechanical problems with the aircraft were reported by the pilot prior to or during the incident.
Probable cause
The pilot's decision to land on a grass strip with soft turf conditions that led to the aircraft nosing over.
Frequently asked questions
What happened in the 5 Apr 1999 Vans RV-6A accident near Cedar Creek, NC?
Visibility dropped shortly after takeoff, prompting a pilot to attempt a precautionary landing on a private grass strip where soft turf caused the aircraft to nose over.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 5 Apr 1999 involved a Vans RV-6A, registration N239RB, at Cedar Creek, NC.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The pilot's decision to land on a grass strip with soft turf conditions that led to the aircraft nosing over.
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