Aviation Accident Summaries

Aviation Accident Summary LAX06LA260

Tracy, CA, USA

Aircraft #1

N22JF

Sicheneder Pitts S1S

Analysis

The pilot landed the airplane within the first 1,000 feet of the runway, just right of the centerline. During the rollout, the airplane encountered a dip in the runway, and the pilot felt the landing gear 'flex'. The airplane then veered to the left, and the pilot attempted to correct with right rudder and brake; however, the airplane swerved and nosed over. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the lower right wing, upper left wing, and the vertical stabilizer.

Factual Information

On August 13, 2006, at 1315 Pacific daylight time, an experimental Sicheneder Pitts S1S, N22JF, nosed over during landing at Tracy Municipal Airport, Tracy, California. The pilot/owner was operating the airplane under the provisions of 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91. The commercial pilot was not injured; the airplane sustained substantial damage. The personal flight departed Byron Airport, Byron, California, at 1300. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan had been filed. The pilot stated in a written report that as he approached Tracy, he checked the Automated Weather Observation System, and visually established contact with two other aircraft in the pattern. He then joined the pattern and established the airplane for a landing on runway 30. He performed a three point landing within the first 1,000 feet passed the threshold. He stated that he landed just right of the centerline, and during rollout encountered a dip in the runway. He felt the landing gear 'flex' and the airplane then veered to the left. He attempted to correct with right rudder and brake, but the airplane nosed over. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the lower right wing, upper left wing, and the vertical stabilizer.

Probable Cause and Findings

The failure of the pilot to maintain directional control during the landing rollout.

 

Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database

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