Primary finding
Probable cause
the pilot's inadequate compensation for wind conditions and failure to maintain control of the aircraft during the landing. The adverse wind condition was a related factor.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot reported that while performing a final landing, following several touch-and-go landings, the airplane encountered a tail wind during approach. The landing touchdown was reported as firm with a bounce, and the pilot elected to go-around. He said that when power was applied, the nose pitched down, and the aircraft nosed over. The pilot reported the wind was variable north to south at 10 gusting 20 knots.
Source record
Factual narrative
On February 24, 1996, at 1520 mountain standard time, a Cessna TC-210N, N1775U, sustained substantial damage when it nosed over during landing roll at Centennial Airport, Englewood, Colorado. The private pilot was not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for this local personal flight operating under Title 14 CFR Part 91, and no flight plan was filed. The flight departed at 1430. According to information provided by the FAA, the aircraft exited the left side of runway 17R, and nosed over near midfield. According to the pilot's written statement, he was doing touch and go landings and the weather began to deteriorate with increasing variable wind. The pilot said he decided to make a final landing and during the approach the aircraft encountered a tail wind and some turbulence. The pilot reported his touch down was "harder than normal" and the aircraft bounced. When the pilot attempted to execute a go-around, he said the aircraft pitched nose down resulting in the damage. The aircraft nosed over and came to rest inverted. At the time of the accident, reported wind was from 230 degrees at seven knots. The pilot reported the wind to be "variable N/S at 10 knots with gusts to 20 knots." -