Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control which resulted in a nose over. A rough uneven runway, and the pilot's diverted attention are contributing factors.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot reported the airplane struck a bump during the landing on the rough grass runway. The airplane pitched down, the propeller struck the ground, and the airplane nosed over. The pilot also indicated his attention was diverted by a deer.
Source record
Factual narrative
On Wednesday, August 11, 1993, at about 1900 eastern daylight time, a Bellanca 8KCAB, N777DD, piloted by Mr. Terry Fenoff, nosed over during landing at the Van Sant Airport, Erwinna, Pennsylvania. The airplane was substantially damaged. The pilot was not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time and no flight plan had been filed. The flight was being conducted under 14 CFR 91. The airplane had landed on runway 5 (grass), hit a bump became airborne, nosed into the ground and nosed over. -