Cessna 182 N4031D accident near Moab, Utah

Probable cause

The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control during landing, which resulted in a runway excursion and the airplane’s subsequent noseover.

NTSB analysis

The pilot reported that he performed a normal three-point landing in the tailwheel-equipped airplane, and, during the landing roll, the airplane veered to the right. The pilot corrected by applying left rudder, and, shortly after, the airplane "pulled hard to the right." Despite the pilot's control inputs, the airplane exited the right side of the runway onto soft gravel and nosed over, which resulted in structural damage to the fuselage. The pilot added that he believed the right brake was “dragging significantly.”

Postaccident examination of the airplane revealed that the right brake caliper brake line attachment fitting was bent outward, toward the wheel assembly, which allowed for a portion of the brake line attached to the fitting to contact the inner wheel assembly. Associated rub marks on the inboard wheel assembly were found, consistent with contact with the brake line sleeve while the wheel was not in motion, and likely resulted from the accident. No additional anomalies were noted with the right brake or wheel assembly. The accident is consistent with the pilot not maintaining directional control during landing.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for WPR20LA099 for the full record.