Cessna 162 near Las Animas, CO — 2019-05-14

Probable cause

The pilot's decision to land on soft, muddy terrain, which resulted in a nose over.

NTSB narrative

The pilot was landing the airplane on his 1,000-ft-long private grass airstrip in light and variable wind conditions when the airplane nosed over upon touchdown, resulting in substantial damage to the wings and empennage. Photos provided by law enforcement personnel who responded to the site showed ground scars consistent with the airplane having touched down on soft, muddy terrain and subsequently nosing over.

Analysis

Primary failure mode

Loss of control

First missed decision gate

Pilot could have chosen a different landing site or delayed landing due to soft terrain.

NTSB coding

• Nose over/nose down · Landing
• Decision Making / Judgment

Evidence available

• Photos
• 3 docket documents

Docket documents3

• Maps or Charts of Accident Area - Runway About 143°, 1000 ftother
• Memorandum for Record – Communication Summary - Pilot's Daughterother
• Photos - Supplied by the Bent County Sheriff's Officephotos

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