Incident Overview
An aircraft experienced a nose-over event while taxiing at Rosencrans Memorial Airport in Saint Joseph, Missouri. The incident was observed by air traffic control personnel at the airport, who reported that as the airplane entered the taxiway, its tail lifted and the airplane nosed over.
Pilot's Account
The pilot provided a detailed description of the sequence of events. During taxi, the pilot used aileron deflections, turning into a quartering headwind and away from a quartering tailwind. While making a left turn from a heading of 090 degrees to 360 degrees onto Taxiway Alpha, the pilot reduced engine power, though not completely. At the midpoint of the turn, when the wind was directly perpendicular to the left side of the fuselage, the tail began to rise. Subsequently, the propeller contacted the taxiway surface. According to a witness, the aircraft went up on its nose, spun 90 degrees, and then fell over.
The pilot further commented on the use of ailerons during taxi, noting that training often emphasizes aileron usage but less frequently highlights the need for higher power to keep the tail down. The pilot suggested that taildragger pilots might be more familiar with that aspect. The pilot speculated that reducing power for the 90-degree turn may have made it easier for the tail to rise.
Wind Conditions
The wind at the time of the accident was recorded as coming from 310 degrees magnetic at 40 knots, gusting to 46 knots.
Damage
The accident aircraft sustained damage during the nose-over event.