HENDERSON MICHAEL E GLASTAR
Sequim, WA — August 31, 2013
Event Information
| Date | August 31, 2013 |
| Event Type | ACC |
| NTSB Number | WPR13CA394 |
| Event ID | 20130901X10646 |
| Location | Sequim, WA |
| Country | USA |
| Coordinates | 48.09778, -123.18611 |
| Airport | Sequim Valley Airport |
| Highest Injury | NONE |
Aircraft
| Make | HENDERSON MICHAEL E |
| Model | GLASTAR |
| Category | AIR |
| FAR Part | 091 |
| Aircraft Damage | SUBS |
Conditions
| Light Condition | DAYL |
| Weather | VMC |
Injuries
| Fatal | 0 |
| Serious | 0 |
| Minor | 0 |
| None | 2 |
| Total Injured | 0 |
Event Location
Probable Cause
The pilot's improper soft field landing technique, and failure to maintain aircraft control during the landing.
Full Narrative
The pilot landed the experimental nose wheel-equipped airplane 500 feet beyond the landing threshold of the grass runway, having performed a full-flap, power-off approach. The runway was traversed by two asphalt taxiways, and during the ground roll, he observed a depression in the turf just before the first taxiway intersection. He then applied back pressure to the elevator control; however, the nose wheel dug into the depression, and the airplane nosed over. The fuselage and wings were substantially damaged. The runway was normally 3,500 foot long, but at the time of the accident, the second half was closed. This was reflected in a NOTAM (notice to airmen), and the pilot was unaware of the closure. According to the airport manager, the depression was a drainage ditch, and was located to the left of runway, adjacent to the parallel asphalt runway. The pilot reported no preimpact mechanical malfunction or failure with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
About This NTSB Record
This aviation event was investigated by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). NTSB investigates all U.S. civil aviation accidents to determine probable cause and issue safety recommendations to prevent future accidents.