Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot's improper (abrupt) application of brakes during the landing roll. Factors relating to the accicent were: the pilot's failure to attain the proper touchdown point during the landing, and his lack of experience in the make and model of airplane.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot stated that the airplane was high on his first approach to the 1,700 foot long grass runway, so he performed a go-around. He reported that the second attempt was good, but during the landing flare, the airplane floated, and touched down about midfield on the runway. The pilot stated '...i applied brakes, being mindful of the trees at the end of the runway...the plane nosed over and flipped on its back.' also, the pilot reported 21.9 hours of flight time in this make and model of airplane, of which only about 1 hour was as pilot-in-command.
Source record
Factual narrative
On November 20, 1995, at 1400 eastern standard time, a Sellors Kitfox IV, N86548, piloted by the owner/builder, sustained substantial damage when it nosed over during the landing roll at Mountain Road Airport, in Pasadena, Maryland. The pilot, the sole occupant, reported no injuries. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the flight, no flight plan was filed. The flight operated under 14 CFR Part 91, and originated from Easton, Maryland, approximately 1340. The pilot stated that the airplane was high on final approach during the first attempt to land on the 1,700 foot long grass runway, so he elected to go around. He reported that the approach to landing was better on the second attempt, but during the landing flare the airplane floated down the runway, and touched down about midfield. The pilot stated: "At this point, I applied the brakes, being mindful of the trees at the end of the runway...the plane nosed over and flipped on its back." The pilot stated there was no preimpact mechanical malfunction, and that the accident could have been prevented if he had slipped the airplane during final approach, in order "...to touch down at or near the runway threshold." The pilot reported that he had 138.7 hours total flight time. His written report indicated that he had flown 21.9 hours in the accident make and model airplane, of which 1 hour was as pilot-in-command. -