Probable cause
The pilot’s braking technique during an off airport precautionary landing on unforeseen soft terrain, which resulted in a nose over.
NTSB analysis
The pilot of the tailwheel-equipped airplane reported that, while flying low to observe the unusual water flows from mountains, he noted abnormal engine behavior. He elected to perform a precautionary landing on flat terrain due to nearby rising terrain. Upon touchdown, the airplane experienced a slight ballooning effect, leading the pilot to apply maximum braking upon touchdown. The tires grabbed harder than expected due to soft terrain and the airplane nosed over and came to rest inverted, which resulted in substantial damage to the fuselage. A postaccident engine test run by the pilot revealed no anomalies or an explanation for the abnormal engine behavior.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for WPR23LA151 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Apr 5, 2023
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Susanville, California
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Amateur-built SKYSTR KTFX IV-1200
- N-number
- N1641E
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1992
- 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.