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NTSB Report
November 2, 2012 · Cessna 140 · N77227
Watsonville, CA
Overview
Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
November 2, 2012
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 minor injury)
Location
Watsonville, CA
Aircraft
Cessna 140
Tail Number
N77227
Operator
Russell Ellingworth
Injuries
Minor
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
WPR13CA033
The pilot reported that after a normal approach, he landed the tailwheel-equipped airplane on the main wheels (wheel landing). As the airplane decelerated during the landing roll, the pilot directed his attention inside of the cockpit and eased back pressure off of the control yoke. When the pilot redirected his attention outside, the airplane nosed down, and the propeller struck the ground; the airplane nosed over and came to rest inverted. During the accident sequence, the wings and empennage were substantially damaged. The pilot reported that there were no mechanical failures or malfunctions that would have precluded normal operation.
NTSB Probable Cause
Aircraft-Aircraft oper/perf/capability-Performance/control parameters-Pitch control-Not attained/maintained - C
Full Narrative
The pilot reported that after a normal approach he landed the tail-wheel equipped airplane on the main wheels (wheel landing). As the airplane decelerated during the landing roll, the pilot directed his attention inside of the cockpit and eased back pressure off of the control yoke. When the pilot redirected his attention outside, the airplane nosed down and the propeller struck the ground; the airplane nosed over and came to rest inverted. During the accident sequence, the wings and empennage were substantially damaged. The pilot reported that there were no mechanical failures or malfunctions that would have precluded normal operations.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time16:45 PDT
Nearest AirportWatsonville Municipal Airport (0nm)
Runway20
Runway Length4501 ft
Runway Width149 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftCessna 140
Tail NumberN77227
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorRussell Ellingworth
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsCont Motor · C85 SERIES · Reciprocating · 85
Seats2
People & Injuries
Injury Summary1 injury (1 minor injury)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor1
Uninjured0
Total1
Crew 1Age 63 · Third Class · Minor
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDusk
WindCalm
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point64 F / 48
Altimeter30.03 inHg
Observation Time23:53
Weather SourceWFAC