On April 30, 2005, a Cessna 150F (registration N6256R) was involved in an aviation accident near China, ME. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's improper inflight decision to land in a field instead of a nearby airport, after encountering deteriorating weather conditions. A factor was the deteriorating weather conditions. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A pilot made a precautionary landing to avoid IMC, but the aircraft nosed over after the nose gear collapsed in a rut on a soft, rain-soaked field.
Incident Overview
While en route to his destination, the pilot encountered deteriorating weather conditions and elected to perform a precautionary landing to a field. The pilot stated this decision was made to avoid flight into instrument meteorological conditions (IMC).
Accident Sequence
During the landing rollout, the airplane encountered a rut in the soft, rain-soaked field. The nose gear subsequently collapsed, and the airplane nosed over.
Chart Examination
Examination of the Federal Aviation Administration Montreal Sectional Aeronautical Chart revealed that several airports were located along the pilot's planned route of flight.
Conclusion
The pilot's precautionary landing was prompted by weather. The accident occurred when the nose gear encountered a rut in the soft field, leading to collapse and the airplane nosing over.