Aircraft nose-over accident on grass airstrip

No fatalities • Urbana-Day Aero Place, United States of America • Landing (descent or approach)

A pilot experienced a nose-over accident during a three-point landing on a grass airstrip, resulting in the aircraft flipping onto its back.

What happened

During a landing on a grass airstrip, the pilot executed a three-point touchdown directed toward the east. Following the contact with the ground, the pilot attempted to manage the aircraft's pitch by pulling the control stick fully aft to prevent the tail from lifting. While the pilot was in the process of retracting the flaps, the tail rose once again. Despite the pilot ensuring that engine power was reduced and that no braking pressure was being applied, the aircraft's nose lifted. The aircraft eventually flipped onto its back over the nose while nearly at a standstill.

Findings

Post-accident inspections of the aircraft revealed that the brake discs were functional and the wheels could rotate without obstruction. However, the pilot noted that the T-handle brake lever appeared to be 3/4 engaged upon returning to the wreckage. Physical evidence at the scene included longitudinal grass abrasions on both tires. The landing area showed parallel tire tracks heading toward the north side of the airstrip, accompanied by eleven distinct slashes in the ground perpendicular to the tracks on the left side of the aircraft. No mechanical anomalies were found in the remaining aircraft systems. Wind conditions recorded shortly after the event were 010 degrees at 7 knots.

Probable cause

The aircraft experienced a nose-over during the landing roll, potentially influenced by the partially engaged brake lever.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2000-04-29 Beechcraft C-45 Expeditor accident near Urbana-Day Aero Place, United States of America?

A pilot experienced a nose-over accident during a three-point landing on a grass airstrip, resulting in the aircraft flipping onto its back.

Were there any fatalities in the 2000-04-29 Beechcraft C-45 Expeditor accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2000-04-29 involved a Beechcraft C-45 Expeditor, registration N3482, operated by Brutlag Aviation, at Urbana-Day Aero Place, United States of America.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The aircraft experienced a nose-over during the landing roll, potentially influenced by the partially engaged brake lever.

Loading the flight search…