Boeing B75N1 N5820V accident near Shelter Island, New York

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to maintain pitch control during the landing roll, resulting in a nose over.

NTSB analysis

According to the pilot of the tailwheel-equipped bi-plane, during the landing roll, landing as number three in a flight of three, on a turf runway, he lost sight of the airplane ahead, he relaxed the stick, the tail came up, and the airplane nosed over. The pilot reported that he was unable to see beyond mid-field due to the crown in the runway, and "became concerned with the actual location of the other aircraft." The pilot reported that he allowed the airplane's tail to rise six to eight inches, and as he applied the brakes, the center of gravity shifted forward due to the 40 gallons of fuel in the bi-plane's upper wing. The airplane nosed over and sustained substantial damage to the rudder, empennage, and top wings.

The pilot reported that there were no mechanical failures or anomalies prior to or during the flight that would have prevented normal operation.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for GAA15CA205 for the full record.