Primary finding
Probable cause
the pilot's improper use of the wheel brakes.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The private pilot reported a normal touchdown and landing roll. He said he began using brakes about two thirds of the way down the runway and the airplane nosed over. During an interview with a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Inspector, the pilot stated that he probably applied the brakes too hard, or they hung up. An operational check of the wheel braking system revealed no anomalies.
Source record
Factual narrative
On August 14, 1994, at 1000 central daylight time, a Luscombe 8E airplane, N2501K, sustained substantial damage when it nosed over during the landing roll at the Fordahl Airport, near Hettinger, North Dakota. The private pilot reported no injuries. The personal flight originated about 0950 and was conducted under 14 CFR Part 91 in visual meteorological conditions. No flight plan was filed for the local flight. The private pilot reported that he conducted a normal touchdown and landing roll. He said he began using brakes about two thirds of the way down the runway and the airplane nosed over. During an interview with a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Inspector, the pilot stated that he probably applied the brakes too hard, or they hung up. The FAA Inspector examined the airplane and reported substantial damage to the vertical fin, aft fuselage, and right lift strut. No evidence of preexisting airframe or engine malfunction was noted. An operational check of the wheel braking system revealed no anomalies. -