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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

NTSB Reports is an independent research and search tool for public aviation accident and incident records. It brings NTSB aviation reports, structured fields, docket files, extracted figures, photos, videos, and update history into one searchable interface.

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NTSB Report

June 12, 1999 · Morrow RV-6 · N173AB

Bradford, PA

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
June 12, 1999
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Bradford, PA
Aircraft
Morrow RV-6
Tail Number
N173AB
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
NYC99LA142

The non-certificated pilot of the airplane was landing on a private grass strip. During the landing, the nose gear collapsed and the airplane nosed over. The pilot reported 75 hours of total flight experience, of which seven hours were in the make and model of the accident airplane. Examination of the wreckage did not reveal any mechanical malfunctions of the airframe or engine. Winds reported at an airport about seven miles north of the accident site were from 130 degrees at seven knots.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's improper flare which resulted in a hard landing, and subsequent collapse of the nose gear.

Full Narrative

On June 12, 1999, about 1230 eastern daylight time, a homebuilt RV-6, N173AB, was substantially damaged while landing at a private unlisted grass strip in Bradford, Pennsylvania. The non-certificated pilot was not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan had been filed for the local flight that departed the Bradford Regional Airport (BFD). The personal flight was conducted under 14 CFR Part 91. The unlisted grass strip was located about 7 miles south of BFD, and the airplane was landing to the east. When interviewed by a Federal Aviation Administration Inspector, the pilot stated that just prior to landing, a "gust of wind" forced the airplane's nose gear down into the turf runway. The nose gear dug into the ground and the airplane flipped over onto it's back. The pilot said he did not experience any mechanical malfunctions with the airplane. The pilot did not posses a pilot certificate. He reported 75 hours of total flight experience, with 7 hours in the make and model of the accident airplane. Additionally, the pilot's last medical certificate was issued in 1977. Review of the airplane's maintenance records revealed that the airplane did not have a current condition inspection. Winds reported at BFD, at 1253, were from 130 degrees at 7 knots.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time12:30 EDT
Nearest Airport0nm
Runway9
Runway Length1200 ft
Runway Width100 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftMorrow RV-6
Tail NumberN173AB
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsVolkswagen · 1850 · Reciprocating · 72
Seats1

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 45 · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind130° @ 7 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point48
Altimeter30.00 inHg
Observation Time17:53
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data