Pilot Debrief

SWEENEY TIMOTHY J RANS S6-ES near Winter Haven, FL — 2015-11-13

Final reportGAA16CA053
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Date
2015-11-13
Location
Winter Haven, FL, USA
Airport
GIF
Aircraft
SWEENEY TIMOTHY J RANS S6-ES
Registration
N688KA
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Minor
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

The pilot's improper landing flare, which resulted in a nose gear collapse and nose over.

NTSB narrative

The pilot reported that during an intentional landing on the grass parallel to an asphalt runway, he touched down fast and bounced "slightly." He then became distracted when another pilot reported over the radio that a coyote was crossing the runway. Subsequently, he "let the nose wheel down too early and too quickly." The nose gear collapsed and the airplane nosed over. The vertical stabilizer was substantially damaged. The pilot reported that there were no mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents3

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