On 23 May 2014, an OLSON KITFOX II operated by HOPLER HAROLD W was involved in an aviation accident near Helena, MT. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the landing roll, which resulted in the airplane nosing over. This summary draws on records from NTSB; 1 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
During a full-stop landing on a grass strip, the airplane veered left, the pilot applied right rudder and brake, and the aircraft nosed over, coming to rest inverted with substantial damage to the aft fuselage.
Incident Overview
A pilot reported experiencing a loss of directional control during a full-stop landing on a grass strip. While rolling out at approximately 20 mph, the airplane began veering to the left. In response, the pilot applied right rudder and right brake. Subsequently, the airplane abruptly nosed over and came to rest inverted.
Damage
The accident resulted in substantial damage to the aft fuselage of the aircraft. The airplane came to rest in an inverted position.
Mechanical Status
The pilot reported that there were no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Contributing factors
Directional control — Not attained/maintainedPilot