NTSB Factual Report

On July 27, 2002, about 1130 Pacific daylight time, a Cessna T210F, N6776R, overran the runway and nosed over during the landing roll at Ells Field-Willits Municipal Airport (O28), Willits, California. The owner was operating the airplane under the provisions of 14 CFR Part 91. The student pilot, the sole occupant, was not injured; the airplane sustained substantial damage. The personal cross-country flight departed Petaluma Municipal Airport, Petaluma, California, about 1030, with planned stops at O28 and Lampson Field Airport, Lakeport California. Day visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and a visual flight rules flight plan had been filed.

In a written statement, the pilot reported that he was on the first leg of a three-part solo cross-country flight in an effort to fulfill certificate requirements for a private pilot's license. While on approach to runway 34, the airplane was high and the airspeed was faster than normal. The pilot attempted to increase the airplane's decent angle and reduce airspeed by adding 40 degrees of flaps. The airplane touched down about 90 miles per hour, contacting the asphalt a little over 1/3 down the runway. The airplane bounced twice, and he added power to cushion the second bounce.

The airplane touched down again, about ¾ down the runway, and the pilot applied brake pressure. The airplane began to skid; he released the brakes, and then reapplied them. He departed the end of the runway and continued down a 30- to 40- foot embankment. The airplane bounced and came to rest inverted, with the nose facing 160 degrees. The pilot did not report any mechanical problems with the airplane prior to the accident.

NTSB Probable Cause

the student pilot's misjudged, distance, and speed, and failure to attain the proper touchdown point.