Casualties unknown

2002-08-21: Cessna 195 (N4344V) — Willows, CA

Willows, CA, US

On August 21, 2002, a Cessna 195 (registration N4344V) was involved in an aviation accident near Willows, CA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot failed to maintain runway alignment during the landing flare, which resulted in the airplane touching down off the runway in soft dirt and nosing over. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 1781061362Data APIEditorial standards

A pilot practicing touch-and-go landings in a newly purchased tailwheel airplane lost runway alignment during the flare and touched down off the runway, causing the airplane to nose over.

Accident Overview

A pilot experienced a loss of runway alignment during the landing flare, resulting in the airplane touching down in soft dirt adjacent to the runway and subsequently nosing over. The pilot had recently purchased the tailwheel-equipped airplane and was practicing touch-and-go takeoffs and landings to gain confidence before flying it home.

Pilot Experience

The pilot reported having 5 hours of flight time in this make and model of airplane at the time of the accident. He noted that additional flight time in the airplane might have helped prevent the incident.

Sequence of Events

According to the pilot, during the first landing, approximately 2 feet above the ground, the airplane was "blown" to the right of the runway. It touched down in the soft dirt, where the main tires dug into the surface, causing the airplane to nose over.

Outcome

The airplane sustained damage from the nose-over event. The pilot did not specify any injuries or further damage details.

Probable cause

The pilot failed to maintain runway alignment during the landing flare, which resulted in the airplane touching down off the runway in soft dirt and nosing over.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20020829X01485. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.