On July 25, 2001, a Cessna 140 (registration N2903N) was involved in an aviation accident near San Luis Obispo, CA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the landing rollout, which resulted in a loss of control and a nose-over incident. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
The aircraft veered sharply left upon touchdown, causing the pilot to lose directional control and resulting in a nose-over incident during the landing rollout.
What happened
Upon completing the approach, the pilot executed a standard three-point touchdown. Immediately following ground contact, the airplane began to veer toward the left side of the runway. In an attempt to maintain directional control, the pilot applied right rudder pressure and increased engine power to counteract the yawing moment.
However, the deviation occurred with such rapidity that the pilot was unable to implement effective corrective actions in time. Control of the aircraft was subsequently lost, leading to a nose-over accident during the landing rollout.
Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the landing rollout, which resulted in a loss of control and a nose-over incident.