Bellanca 7GCBC N50443 accident near Dixon, California

Probable cause

The pilot’s loss of directional control after striking an unidentified object during landing on an unimproved runway, and his subsequent use of excessive braking that resulted in a nose-over.

NTSB analysis

The pilot of the tailwheel-equipped airplane reported that while conducting a pleasure flight he elected to land on an unimproved dirt airstrip. During the landing roll, the right main landing gear struck an unidentified object/hole which pulled the airplane to the right off the landing surface and toward a fence line. The pilot applied excessive braking, and the airplane nosed over and came to rest inverted. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the left-wing strut and the top of the vertical stabilizer and rudder.

The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for WPR23LA312 for the full record.