Aviation Accident Summaries

Aviation Accident Summary GAA17CA168

Live Oak, CA, USA

Aircraft #1

N600XX

MAULE MX7

Analysis

The pilot of the tailwheel-equipped airplane reported that, while on base for his private grass airstrip, he noticed he was high, so he added flaps to increase his descent. He added that, on final, the airspeed was a little fast and during the landing, he flared the airplane "a little high." After touchdown, the pilot applied the brakes, but the airplane did not respond, so he applied "a little more brake"; subsequently, the airplane nosed over and came to rest inverted. The airplane sustained substantial damage to both wings and the empennage. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airframe or engine that would have precluded normal operation. The pilot reported as a safety recommendation that he should have performed a go-around instead of attempting to "salvage the landing."

Factual Information

The pilot of the tailwheel equipped airplane reported that while on base for his private grass airstrip, he noticed he was high, so he added flaps to increase his descent. He reported that on final the airspeed was a little fast and during the landing, he flared the airplane "a little high". The pilot further reported that after touchdown, he applied the brakes, but the airplane did not respond, so he applied "a little more brake"; subsequently, the airplane nosed over and came to rest inverted. The airplane sustained substantial damage to both wings and the empennage. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airframe or engine that would have precluded normal operation. The pilot reported as a safety recommendation that he should have performed a go-around instead of attempting to "salvage the landing".

Probable Cause and Findings

The pilot’s failure to maintain a stabilized approach and his subsequent incorrect brake application during the landing roll, which resulted in a nose-over.

 

Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database

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