NTSB Factual Report

On February 8, 2003, about 0950 Pacific standard time, a Bellanca 14-19-2, N7686B, veered off the runway and nosed over while on the landing roll at Oceano County Airport, Oceano, California. The pilot/owner was operating the airplane under the provisions of 14 CFR Part 91. The private pilot and one passenger were not injured; the airplane sustained substantial damage. The personal local flight departed Santa Ynez Airport, Santa Ynez, California, about 0915, with the planned destination of Oceano. Day visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and a flight plan had not been filed.

In a written statement, the pilot reported that he was attempting to land on runway 11 in calm wind conditions. The airplane touched down with a ground speed of about 60 miles per hour. During the landing roll, the airplane encountered a gust of wind and veered to the left. The pilot applied full right rudder pressure and right brake to counteract the veer. The airplane departed the left side of the runway and nosed over. The pilot reported no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane.

An aviation routine weather report (METAR) generated by an Automated Surface Observation System (ASOS) at San Luis County Regional Airport, San Luis Obispo, California (located 8.2 nautical miles north of the accident site), indicated that about 4 minutes after the accident, winds were calm.

NTSB Probable Cause

the pilot's failure to maintain directional control of the airplane.