Aviation Accident Summary GAA18CA477

Moab, UT, USA

Aircraft #1

N833RD

Davidson, Ronald A. Avid

Analysis

The pilot in the tailwheel-equipped airplane reported that, during the landing roll on the dirt surface, he “pinned” the tailwheel on the ground and that he then applied aft stick to keep the tailwheel on the ground. However, he was concerned about the condition of the last third of the runway, and he chose to stop before it. He reported that he applied the brakes "a little harder than normal" and that the tail rose off the ground. He released his brake application, but the tail continued to rise, and the airplane nosed over. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the vertical stabilizer and the rudder. The pilot reported that there was still had about 1,000 ft of runway remaining but that he failed to recognize and correct for the momentum of the rising tail in a timely manner. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

Factual Information

The pilot in the tailwheel-equipped airplane reported that during the landing roll on the dirt surface, he pinned the tailwheel on the ground, and then he applied aft stick to keep the tailwheel on the ground. However, he was concerned about the condition of the last 1/3 of the runway, and he elected to stop prior to. He reported that he applied the brakes "a little harder than normal" and the tail came off the ground. He released his brake application, but the tail continued to rise, and the airplane nosed over. Substantial damage was sustained to the vertical stabilizer and the rudder. The pilot reported that he still had about 1,000ft of runway remaining, but he failed to recognize and correct the momentum of the rising tail in a timely manner. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

Probable Cause and Findings

The pilot's excessive brake application and delayed remedial action, which resulted in a noseover.

 

Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database

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