Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot's improper recovery from a bounced landing.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot reported that during landing on a 600-foot-long dirt, gravel, and turf covered airstrip, the airplane bounced, and he inadvertently applied the brakes. The airplane nosed over on the second touchdown, coming to rest inverted, resulting in substantial damage to the wings and fuselage. The pilot and passenger received minor injuries. The flight was conducted as a Title 14, CFR Part 91 personal flight. The pilot said there were no preaccident mechanical problems with the airplane, and noted in his report to the NTSB that the accident might have been avoided if he had not locked the brakes when the airplane bounced on landing.
Source record
Factual narrative
The pilot reported that during landing on a 600-foot-long dirt, gravel, and turf covered airstrip, the airplane bounced, and he inadvertently applied the brakes. The airplane nosed over on the second touchdown, coming to rest inverted, resulting in substantial damage to the wings and fuselage. The pilot and passenger received minor injuries. The flight was conducted as a Title 14, CFR Part 91 personal flight. The pilot said there were no preaccident mechanical problems with the airplane, and noted in his report to the NTSB that the accident might have been avoided if he had not locked the brakes when the airplane bounced on landing.