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July 5, 1993 · Ayres Pitts MA-1 · N81999

Greenfield, CA

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
July 5, 1993
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Greenfield, CA
Aircraft
Ayres Pitts MA-1
Tail Number
N81999
Operator
George Britcliffe
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
LAX93LA305

THE PILOT WAS LANDING A TAIL WHEEL AIRPLANE ON A PRIVATE GRAVEL AIRSTRIP. DURING THE LANDING ROLL, THE PILOT APPLIED LEFT RUDDER TO MAINTAIN THE RUNWAY HEADING. THE AIRPLANE THEN VEERED OFF THE LEFT SIDE OF THE RUNWAY. IN AN ATTEMPT TO AVOID SOFT TERRAIN, THE PILOT APPLIED EXCESSIVE BRAKING AND THE AIRPLANE NOSED OVER.

NTSB Probable Cause

The failure of the pilot to maintain directional control of the airplane during the landing roll and subsequent application of excessive braking that resulted in the airplane nosing over.

Full Narrative

On July, 5, 1993, about 1100 hours Pacific daylight time, an Ayers, Pitts MA-1, N81999, crashed during landing at Metz Field, a private airstrip near Greenfield, California. The airplane was being operated as a visual flight rules (VFR) local area flight when the accident occurred. The airplane sustained substantial damage. The certificated commercial pilot, the sole occupant, was not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed. The flight originated from Metz Field about 1030 hours. The pilot reported that he landed on the gravel runway to the north, and applied left rudder to maintain the runway heading during the landing roll. When the pilot applied left rudder, the airplane veered to the left and off the left side of the runway. The pilot applied aft elevator pressure and hard braking to avoid soft terrain. The airplane then nosed over. The pilot holds a commercial pilot certificate with airplane single engine land and instrument airplane ratings. The most recent second class medical certificate was issued to the pilot on February 8, 1993, and contained no limitations. According to the pilot/operator report submitted by the pilot, his total aeronautical experience consists of about 909 hours, of which 97 were accrued in the accident aircraft make and model. In the preceding 90 and 30 days prior to the accident, the report lists a total of 52 and 23 hours, respectively, flown.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time11:00 PDT
Nearest AirportMetz Field (0nm N)
Runway31
Runway Length3400 ft
Runway Width80 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftAyres Pitts MA-1
Tail NumberN81999
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorGeorge Britcliffe
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-290-G4 · Reciprocating · 125
Seats1

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 23 · Second Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind360° @ 5 kt, gusting 8 kt
Visibility40 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point0 C
Altimeter0
Weather SourcePILO

Appendix: Source Data