Amateur-built ROCKET II N630L accident near Mesquite, Nevada

Probable cause

The pilot’s loss of control on the landing roll, which led to the airplane coming to rest inverted.

NTSB analysis

The day before the accident the airplane underwent maintenance on the brake system. The mechanic stated that after completing the maintenance, he advised the pilot to use caution during the first few brake applications to allow the system to wear in and recommended that the pilot perform at least three fullstop landings.

On the day of the accident, the mechanic reported that he and the pilot ate lunch together, after which he observed the pilot perform several brake checks before departing. A witness reported observing the tailwheel-equipped airplane on the landing roll. The airplane was to the right of the centerline and continued to veer right while the ground speed slowed. The airplane then pitched forward, and the propeller contacted the runway surface. The airplane continued to slide forward and exited the right side of the runway before it nosed over and came to rest inverted with the pilot's head against the pavement.

Following the impact, first responders found the pilot in cardiac arrest after a prolonged extrication. He was resuscitated and was admitted to a hospital with serious injuries, including neurological injury that made him unable to communicate any history of the event. No significant pre-impact medical event was specifically identified during his hospitalization.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for WPR24LA075 for the full record.