Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot's improper use of the brakes.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot was landing on a 2,700 foot-by 40-foot dirt runway. During the landing roll, the pilot applied heavy braking until the airplane nosed over onto its back.
Source record
Factual narrative
On April 23, 1994, at 0630 hours Pacific daylight time, a Grumman G-164B, N6774K, nosed over while landing on runway 16 at Siller Airstrip, 3 miles north of Robbins, California. The pilot was completing a visual flight rules positioning flight. The airplane, registered to and operated by Wagner Aviation, Robbins, California, sustained substantial damage. The certificated commercial pilot, the sole occupant, was not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed. The flight originated from a privately owned airstrip at Robbins, California, at 0620 hours. Mr. Jerry Griswold, Aviation Safety Inspector, Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Sacramento [California] Flight Standards District Office, reported that he interviewed the pilot. The pilot reported that on touchdown he applied heavy braking and the airplane nosed over. Both the pilot and operator jointly submitted the required Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report, NTSB Form 6120.1/2, to the National Transportation Safety Board, Southwest Regional Office. The pilot and operator reiterated the pilot's statement to Inspector Griswold in the report. They also added that there were 30 feet of skid marks on the runway up to the point where the airplane came to rest. The dirt runway is 2,700 feet by 40 feet. They reported no mechanical malfunctions. -