Primary finding
Probable cause
failure of the pilot to maintain directional control of the airplane during the landing, which resulted in an inadvertent ground swerve.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The airplane was landing on runway 07, when the it began to veer to the left. The pilot stated that she applied rudder, but with no effect. The airplane went off the left side of the runway, nosed over, and came to rest inverted. The pilot did not report any mechanical difficulty with the airplane during the flight.
Source record
Factual narrative
On March 29, 1996, about 1350 eastern standard time, a Cessna 140, N89297, nosed over during the landing roll at Elkin Airport, Elkin, North Carolina. The airplane was operated by the student pilot under the provisions of Title 14 CFR part 91, and visual flight rules. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed. The student pilot was not injured, and the airplane was substantially damaged. The instructional solo flight had originated approximately 5 minutes prior to the accident. The airplane was landing on runway 07, when the aircraft began to veer off to the left. The pilot stated that she applied rudder, with no effect. The airplane went off the left side of the runway, nosed over and came to rest inverted. The pilot did not report any mechanical difficulty with the aircraft during the flight. -