Aircraft Runway Excursion and Nose-over at O'Neal Airport

Casualties unknown • Vincennes, IN, US

An aircraft departed the runway at O'Neal Airport in Vincennes, Indiana, after hitting a rough patch of pavement, resulting in a slow nose-over into a wheat field.

What happened

The pilot reported making a smooth touchdown approximately halfway down runway 21 (2,350 X 100) at the O'Neal Airport in Vincennes, Indiana. Shortly after the aircraft touched down, it encountered a rough spot on the runway surface. This impact caused the airplane to bounce back into the air, at which point the tail began to shift.

During this period, the pilot was occupied with maintaining directional control and was unable to apply the brakes. As a result, the airplane veered to the right and departed the runway, entering an adjacent wheat field. While the aircraft's speed decreased during the excursion, it came to a sudden stop and underwent a slow nose-over onto its back.

The investigation

A mechanical examination of the airplane was conducted following the accident. The inspection revealed no anomalies in the aircraft's condition.

Probable cause

The pilot's inability to apply brakes while attempting to maintain directional control after hitting a rough spot on the runway led to the excursion and subsequent nose-over.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1999-05-10 Piper PA-18-L21B accident near Vincennes, IN?

An aircraft departed the runway at O'Neal Airport in Vincennes, Indiana, after hitting a rough patch of pavement, resulting in a slow nose-over into a wheat field.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1999-05-10 involved a Piper PA-18-L21B, registration N3VU, at Vincennes, IN.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's inability to apply brakes while attempting to maintain directional control after hitting a rough spot on the runway led to the excursion and subsequent nose-over.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001212X18719. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.

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