Primary finding
Probable cause
the pilot's improper use of the airplane's brakes during the landing rollout.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot reported that during landing rollout he applied brakes to slow the airplane while attempting to exit the runway. The brakes had been recently replaced and they were very effective. The pilot said that during the turn he lost control of the airplane and it nosed over.
Source record
Factual narrative
On August 31, 1994, at 1230 hours Pacific daylight time, a Cessna 195, N195LS, nosed over during landing rollout on runway 30 at the Palo Alto of Santa Clara County Airport, Palo Alto, California. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed during the personal flight, and the private pilot was not injured. The flight originated from Porterville, California, at 1045. The pilot verbally reported that during rollout he applied brakes to slow the airplane while turning off the active runway. The brake(s) had recently been replaced, and they were very effective. The pilot said he lost control of the airplane and it nosed over as he was attempting to exit the runway. On September 23, 1994, the National Transportation Safety Board mailed the pilot the required "Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report" NTSB Form 6120.1/2 to complete. Thereafter, the pilot was verbally requested to complete the form. As of April 18, 1995, the Safety Board has not received the form. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) reported to the Safety Board that the pilot's last aviation medical certificate was issued to him on February 3, 1989. -