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Nose Landing Gear Collapse on Soft Grass Airstrip

Allison, IA, United States

On March 22, 2016, a NICHOLSON DAVID F RV 9 A operated by NICHOLSON DAVID F. was involved in an aviation accident near Allison, IA. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's improper soft-field landing technique, which resulted in a nose landing gear collapse and a nose over. This summary draws on records from NTSB.

SourcesNTSBPrimary reportUpdated 2026-08-03Data APIEditorial standards

During landing on a grass airstrip, the nose landing gear caught on soft turf and collapsed, causing the airplane to slide, impact terrain, and nose over. Substantial damage occurred. No preimpact mechanical failures were reported.

Accident Details

The pilot reported that while landing on a grass airstrip, the nose landing gear "caught" on the soft turf and subsequently collapsed. The airplane then slid approximately 60 feet, during which the forward portion of the fuselage impacted the terrain, causing the airplane to nose over.

Damage

The accident resulted in substantial damage to the fuselage, rudder, vertical stabilizer, and firewall.

Pilot Report

The pilot verified that there were no preimpact mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airframe or engine that would have precluded normal operation.

Safety Recommendation

As a safety recommendation, the pilot advised keeping the nose landing gear off the ground longer during the landing.

Contributing factors

Causes

PilotPitch control — Not attained/maintained

Other contributing factors

Ability to respond/compensate

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 22 Mar 2016 NICHOLSON DAVID F RV 9 A accident near Allison, IA?

During landing on a grass airstrip, the nose landing gear caught on soft turf and collapsed, causing the airplane to slide, impact terrain, and nose over. Substantial damage occurred. No preimpact mechanical failures were reported.

Were there any fatalities in the 22 Mar 2016 NICHOLSON DAVID F RV 9 A accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 22 Mar 2016 involved a NICHOLSON DAVID F RV 9 A, operated by NICHOLSON DAVID F., at Allison, IA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's improper soft-field landing technique, which resulted in a nose landing gear collapse and a nose over.

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