On February 12, 2001, a Michael E. Nourse RV-6A (registration N6279E) was involved in an aviation accident near Immokalee, FL. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's improper flare, and his evaluation of the gusty wind conditions resulted in the collision with the terrain. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
Upon landing, the nose gear buckled, causing the airplane to flip onto its back after sliding into grass. The wreckage examination found no mechanical malfunction.
Accident Narrative
According to the pilot, the nose gear failed and buckled under the airframe during landing. The nose subsequently contacted the runway, and the airplane slid into the grass before flipping over. The passenger reported a "very hard landing" that led to the nose gear collapsing. The airplane then skidded off the left side of the runway. The passenger also noted that the airplane began to cartwheel after entering the grass.
Wreckage Examination
An examination of the wreckage did not reveal any mechanical malfunction or component failure that could have caused the accident.
Weather Conditions
At the time of the accident, the wind was from 140 degrees at 10 knots with gusts up to 24 knots.
Frequently asked questions
What happened in the 12 Feb 2001 Michael E. Nourse RV-6A accident near Immokalee, FL?
Upon landing, the nose gear buckled, causing the airplane to flip onto its back after sliding into grass. The wreckage examination found no mechanical malfunction.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 12 Feb 2001 involved a Michael E. Nourse RV-6A, registration N6279E, at Immokalee, FL.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The pilot's improper flare, and his evaluation of the gusty wind conditions resulted in the collision with the terrain.
A SkyWalk Join't 3 paraglider crashed into the ground near Las Vizcachas, Chile, on September 1, 2024. The pilot and passenger sustained serious spinal…
PARAPENTE (ULTRALIVIANO NO MOTORIZADO)·2024-09-01DGAC Chile
A Cessna 172N struck electrical cables while on final approach to land at Aucó Aerodrome in Chile. The pilot was uninjured, but the aircraft sustained damage…
A Bombardier DHC-8-402 suffered a tail strike during landing at Puerto Williams on September 9, 2024. All 76 occupants were unharmed, but the aircraft…
A MYD JS-MD 3 glider veered off the runway and struck a wall at Vitacura Aerodrome on January 6, 2025. The pilot was uninjured, but the aircraft sustained…
A recreational paraglider flight in Puchuncaví, Chile, ended with the pilot sustaining serious injuries after a rapid descent and impact with a hillside on…
PARAPENTE (ULTRALIVIANO NO MOTORIZADO)·2025-03-29DGAC Chile
A Tecnam P2006T landed on its belly at an aerodrome in Poland after the crew failed to confirm landing gear deployment. The incident resulted in no injuries…