Cub Crafters Inc CC18-180 N472AK accident near Littlefield, Texas

Probable cause

The pilot's excessive approach speed, which resulted in a hard, bounced landing and nose-over.

NTSB analysis

The pilot reported that he had been conducting glider tow operations and the gliders were landing back to the same airport that he had departed from. After releasing a glider, he flew west of the airport to survey the landing area due to the high volume of activity on the ground at the airport. He determined that he would land to a grassy area adjacent to the runway.

The pilot maneuvered the airplane for a short base-to-final approach and noted that his approach speed was approximately 5 to 10 mph faster than normal with full flaps extended. He touched down “fairly firm” in a tail-low wheel landing attitude. After the tailwheel contacted the ground, he applied full aft elevator and braking. The landing area was rougher than anticipated, which caused the airplane to bounce and become airborne. When the main landing gear settled back onto the ground, the tail rose rapidly. The pilot released the brakes and applied full aft elevator; however, the airplane continued to pitch forward and nosed over, coming to rest inverted. The fuselage, left wing, vertical stabilizer, and rudder sustained substantial damage.

The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. He further reported that he should have remained clear of the traffic pattern until the distractions in the landing area were clear, and he also felt he rushed the approach while conducting his traffic pattern maneuvers.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN26LA195 for the full record.