On April 5, 2005, a Franz RV-6 (registration N215CF) was involved in an aviation accident near Howell, MI. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the landing rollout which resulted in the aircraft departing the runway pavement and nosing over. An additional cause was the pilot's inadequate compensation for the crosswind condition. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
An amateur-built airplane nosed over after departing the runway during landing rollout. The pilot reported wind gusts and a hangar-induced wind blast as factors.
Accident Details
The amateur-built airplane sustained substantial damage when it departed the runway pavement and nosed over during the landing rollout. The accident occurred on runway 13. The pilot reported making a three-point landing on the centerline at idle engine power.
Pilot Account
According to the pilot, after touchdown, as the airplane passed a hangar off the right side of the runway, the prevailing crosswind was reduced. The pilot stated: "I was slow getting the left rudder off [and] the plane went left slightly. [The airplane] got hit hard by [a] blast of wind coming off the east side of the hangar [and] the plane nosed slightly more left. I'd estimate we were down to 25-30 knots when the left main wheel left the runway [and] hit the soft sod. The nose went down -- the tail came up [and] blew over. The aircraft came to rest inverted."
Weather Conditions
Winds at the time were reported from 220 degrees at 16 knots, gusting to 22 knots.
Aircraft Examination
Post-accident examination confirmed continuity of flight controls and tail wheel steering.