Accident Details
The pilot had just purchased an airplane and was ferrying it home when he decided to divert because of en route weather conditions. He set up for landing on a 4,201-foot long by 75-foot wide runway. The airplane touched down within the first third of the runway with full flaps deployed and an indicated airspeed between 70 and 80 mph.
After touchdown, the pilot retarded the throttle to idle and applied the brakes. The braking action caused the airplane to pull from side to side. Concerned that he would not be able to stop before reaching the end of the runway, the pilot elected to steer the airplane onto a grassy area to the right of the runway.
While on the grass, the nose wheel struck a culvert, and the airplane nosed over. This was the pilot's first landing in the accident airplane, as well as his first landing in that make and model.
Environmental Conditions
Winds in the area were reported at approximately 5 knots, from 80 degrees to the left of the runway.
Post-Accident Examination
After the accident, a mechanic applied the handbrake and attempted to push the airplane. The airplane did not move, indicating that the brakes were functioning and had locked the wheels.