Primary finding
Probable cause
the pilot's excessive use of brakes. Factors related to the accident were the crosswind and the pilot's inadequate compensation for the wind conditions.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The landing was being made with a 10 to 15 knot direct crosswind when the accident occurred. The pilot stated the airplane bounced during the landing and began to veer toward the side of the runway. He stated he 'over braked' to prevent a ground loop and the airplane nosed over.
Source record
Factual narrative
On May 28, 1994, at 1650 eastern standard time, a Classic Aircraft, Waco YMF-5, N527MN, registered to Air Adventures, Inc., nosed over on landing at the Noblesville Airstrip, Noblesville, Indiana, while on a personal flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan was filed. The airplane was substantially damaged. The pilot and two passengers were not injured. The local flight originated from Noblesville, Indiana, on May 28, 1994, at 1505 est. The pilot reported that he was landing on runway 27 with a crosswind from 180 degrees at 10 knots gusting to 15 knots when the accident occurred. He stated that upon initial touchdown the airplane bounced and instead of performing a go-around, he continued the landing. When the airplane contacted the ground a second time, he stated, the wind caught the tail of the airplane. The airplane then veered to the right of the runway and the pilot compensated by applying the brakes. The pilot reported that he "over braked" and the airplane nosed over. -