On February 3, 2001, a Luscombe 8F (registration N747MP) was involved in an aviation accident near Tombstone, AZ. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's lack of directional control on the landing roll, which resulted in a ground loop and inadvertent nose over. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
During landing roll, the pilot applied right brake to prevent veering left, causing the airplane to nose over. The owner, in the right seat without brakes, could not assist.
Incident Description
The accident occurred during the landing roll when the airplane began to veer toward the left edge of the runway. In an effort to prevent a departure from the runway, the pilot applied pressure to the right brake. This action caused the airplane to nose over.
Aircraft and Occupants
The owner of the airplane was seated in the right seat and was allowing a friend to pilot the aircraft. The owner did not have brake controls on the right side. The estimated speed at the time of the incident was about 25 miles per hour.
Sequence of Events
During the landing roll, the airplane deviated to the left. The owner attempted to help steer the airplane back toward the runway centerline. However, the pilot's application of the right brake resulted in the nose-over.