Aircraft Nosed Over During Precautionary Landing

Casualties unknown • Brussels, IL, US

A pilot performing a simulated emergency landing approach experienced engine hesitation, leading to a precautionary touchdown and subsequent nose-over.

What happened

The pilot was conducting a maneuver involving a simulated emergency landing approach. During the procedure, the pilot applied carburetor heat and cleared the engine. The maneuver was terminated at 300 feet above ground level (agl).

Upon advancing the throttle, the pilot noted a lack of response for a short period, followed by a halting or missing response characterized by a hesitating acceleration. At approximately 200 feet agl, the pilot decided to land the aircraft to inspect the fuel and engine. The airplane touched down at 65 mph. Due to vegetation that was taller than the pilot had perceived, the aircraft decelerated rapidly and nosed over. The pilot was not injured.

Probable cause

The pilot's decision to perform a precautionary landing following engine hesitation, combined with an underestimation of vegetation height during touchdown, which resulted in the aircraft nosed over.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2001-05-17 Piper J5A accident near Brussels, IL?

A pilot performing a simulated emergency landing approach experienced engine hesitation, leading to a precautionary touchdown and subsequent nose-over.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2001-05-17 involved a Piper J5A, registration N38646, at Brussels, IL.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's decision to perform a precautionary landing following engine hesitation, combined with an underestimation of vegetation height during touchdown, which resulted in the aircraft nosed over.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20010521X00969. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.

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