Probable cause
The pilot’s use of engine beta prior to ensuring the tailwheel was on the ground during landing roll.
NTSB analysis
The pilot stated that the approach to land was fast. During landing rollout, he used engine beta to slow the airplane while the tail of the airplane was not on the ground. Subsequently, the airplane nosed over, which resulted in substantial damage to both the top wings, empennage, and engine mounts. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for WPR25LA158 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- May 9, 2025
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Butte City, California
- Nearest airport
- Private (NA)
- Highest injury
- Minor
- Minor injuries
- 1
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Schweizer Aircraft Corp G-164B
- N-number
- N7503L
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1990
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- UNK
Other records under this N-number
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.