Aircraft Nosed Over During Practice Landing in Pasture

Casualties unknown • Quincy, CA, US

A pilot performing practice landings in an open pasture experienced a nose-over accident during the landing roll.

What happened

The pilot was conducting a flight for the purpose of practicing landings in an open pasture. The terrain consisted of flat ground covered with approximately five inches of grass. During the sequence, the pilot performed a normal wheel landing on the pasture surface.

Following touchdown, the pilot applied brake pressure while attempting to maintain the tail-up position using the elevator control. As the aircraft slowed, the tail rose upward, causing the Cessna (type not specified in source) to nose over and come to rest in an inverted position. The pilot was not injured.

The investigation

The pilot reported that there were no mechanical malfunctions or failures involving the engine or airframe prior to the impact. The aircraft sustained damage to the tail and the right wing during the accident.

Probable cause

The aircraft nosed over and inverted during the landing roll while the pilot applied braking pressure.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2007-05-13 Piper J3C-65 accident near Quincy, CA?

A pilot performing practice landings in an open pasture experienced a nose-over accident during the landing roll.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2007-05-13 involved a Piper J3C-65, registration N98041, at Quincy, CA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The aircraft nosed over and inverted during the landing roll while the pilot applied braking pressure.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20070628X00830. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.

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