SWEENEY TIMOTHY J RANS S6-ES

Winter Haven, FL — November 13, 2015

Event Information

DateNovember 13, 2015
Event TypeACC
NTSB NumberGAA16CA053
Event ID20151119X04728
LocationWinter Haven, FL
CountryUSA
Coordinates28.06278, -81.75195
AirportWINTER HAVEN'S GILBERT
Highest InjuryMINR

Aircraft

MakeSWEENEY TIMOTHY J
ModelRANS S6-ES
CategoryAIR
FAR Part091
Aircraft DamageSUBS

Conditions

Light ConditionDAYL
WeatherVMC

Injuries

Fatal0
Serious0
Minor1
None0
Total Injured1

Event Location

Probable Cause

The pilot's improper landing flare, which resulted in a nose gear collapse and nose over.

Full Narrative

The pilot reported that during an intentional landing on the grass parallel to an asphalt runway, he touched down fast and bounced "slightly." He then became distracted when another pilot reported over the radio that a coyote was crossing the runway. Subsequently, he "let the nose wheel down too early and too quickly." The nose gear collapsed and the airplane nosed over. The vertical stabilizer was substantially damaged.

The pilot reported that there were no mechanical malfunctions or failures 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.

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