Pilot Debrief

LOWE BRUCE SKYSTR KTFX IV-1200 near Susanville, CA — 2023-04-05

Final reportWPR23LA151
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Date
2023-04-05
Location
Susanville, CA, USA
Aircraft
LOWE BRUCE SKYSTR KTFX IV-1200
Registration
N1641E
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

The pilot’s braking technique during an off airport precautionary landing on unforeseen soft terrain, which resulted in a nose over.

NTSB narrative

The pilot of the tailwheel-equipped airplane reported that, while flying low to observe the unusual water flows from mountains, he noted abnormal engine behavior. He elected to perform a precautionary landing on flat terrain due to nearby rising terrain. Upon touchdown, the airplane experienced a slight ballooning effect, leading the pilot to apply maximum braking upon touchdown. The tires grabbed harder than expected due to soft terrain and the airplane nosed over and came to rest inverted, which resulted in substantial damage to the fuselage. A postaccident engine test run by the pilot revealed no anomalies or an explanation for the abnormal engine behavior.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • Photos
  • 4 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents4

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