Casualties unknown

2002-11-03: Luscombe 8A (N1933B) — Fairbanks, AK

Fairbanks, AK, US

On November 3, 2002, a Luscombe 8A (registration N1933B) was involved in an aviation accident near Fairbanks, AK. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's excessive use of brakes during the landing roll, which resulted in the nose over of the airplane. 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 commercial pilot landing a wheel-equipped airplane reported that after touchdown, the tower requested an early exit. Applying toe brakes caused the wheels to stop turning, leading to a nose-over. Substantial damage occurred to the wings, fuselage, and empennage. An FAA inspection found no preaccident mechanical anomalies.

Introduction

A solo commercial pilot experienced a nose-over incident while landing a wheel-equipped airplane on a paved, dry runway. The event resulted in substantial damage to the aircraft, but no injuries were reported. The subsequent investigation by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) found no mechanical issues prior to the accident.

Sequence of Events

According to the pilot's report, the landing was normal until after touchdown. At that point, the tower controller requested that the pilot exit the runway at the first available taxiway, if possible. In response, the pilot applied the airplane's toe brakes. The pilot stated that as soon as he applied the brakes, the wheels stopped rotating, and the airplane nosed over.

The aircraft sustained substantial damage to both wings, the fuselage, and the empennage.

Investigation

An FAA inspector examined the airplane following the incident. The inspection revealed no preaccident mechanical anomalies. The cause of the nose-over has not been explicitly stated in the available information.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20021107X05447. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.