On June 22, 2002, a Cessna 185 (registration N9378H) operated by William Scoular was involved in an aviation accident near Chugiak, AK. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's excessive braking, which resulted in a noseover during landing. Factors associated with the accident were the pilot's improper touchdown point, and landing with a tailwind. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A pilot reported a straight-in approach to a 1,000-foot airstrip, touching down halfway. After braking, the wheels locked and the airplane nosed over, coming to rest inverted. A postaccident inspection found no brake anomalies.
Accident Details
The accident airplane made a straight-in approach to a 1,000-foot long airstrip. The pilot reported that his ground speed felt a little fast and that he might have landed with a tailwind. The airplane touched down approximately halfway down the runway.
Pilot Account
According to the pilot, when the main wheels touched the ground, he applied the brakes. The wheels locked up, causing the airplane to nosed over. The airplane came to rest upside down near the center of the airstrip.
Postaccident Inspection
Following the accident, the pilot's mechanic conducted an inspection of the brakes. The inspection disclosed no anomalies with the braking system.