Pilot Debrief

Vans RV7A near Princeton, MN — 2018-07-24

Final reportCEN18LA295
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Date
2018-07-24
Location
Princeton, MN, USA
Airport
PNM
Aircraft
Vans RV7A
Registration
N20342
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Serious
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Landing

Probable cause

A flat nosewheel tire, which resulted in the pilot’s inability to maintain directional control on landing.

NTSB narrative

The private pilot was conducting a personal cross-country flight and decided to stop at an intermediate airport to refuel the airplane. When the airplane touched down, it swerved left, exited the side of the runway, struck a runway edge light, and then nosed over in soft terrain. Examination of the runway revealed that a long black line, which extended from the centerline to where the runway edge light was struck, was imprinted in the pavement. It is likely that the imprint was created by the chine that was pronounced on both sides of the tire. These ground signatures indicate that the nosewheel tire was likely flat upon touchdown, which led to the pilot’s inability to maintain directional control upon landing.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Mechanical failure
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have checked tire condition before landing.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents3

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