Amateur-built RV7A N20342 accident near Princeton, Minnesota

Probable cause

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

NTSB analysis

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.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN18LA295 for the full record.