Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the landing roll, which resulted in the airplane nosing over.
NTSB analysis
The pilot reported that during a full stop landing on a grass strip, rolling out at 20 mph, the airplane started veering left and he applied right rudder and right brake. The airplane abruptly nosed over and came to rest inverted substantially damaging the aft fuselage. The pilot reported no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for WPR14CA214 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- May 23, 2014
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Helena, Montana
- Nearest airport
- Helena Regional Airport (KHLN)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Amateur-built KITFOX II
- N-number
- N514DL
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1994
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Personal
From the NTSB aviation accident database: N-registered aircraft, events since 2008, data through Oct 28, 2026. The file is published monthly, so the latest weeks are incomplete and recent records can change. The official source is the NTSB aviation investigation search. CheckAero is independent and not affiliated with the NTSB.