Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot's decision to land on an unsuitable surface, which resulted in a nose over.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot was landing a tricycle landing gear-equipped airplane on a soft tidal beach. He reported that he had landed the day before at the same location without incident. During the landing roll, the landing gear contacted an area of soft sand, and the airplane nosed over resulting in substantial damage to the right wing and left lift strut. The pilot reported no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. In the recommendation section of the NTSB Accident/Incident Reporting Form 6120.1, the pilot stated that the accident may have been prevented if he had a better knowledge and understanding of landing conditions on tidal beaches.
Source record
Factual narrative
The pilot was landing a tricycle landing gear-equipped airplane on a soft tidal beach. He reported that he had landed the day before at the same location without incident. During the landing roll, the landing gear contacted an area of soft sand, and the airplane nosed over resulting in substantial damage to the right wing and left lift strut. The pilot reported no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. In the recommendation section of the NTSB Accident/Incident Reporting Form 6120.1, the pilot stated that the accident may have been prevented if he had a better knowledge and understanding of landing conditions on tidal beaches.