NTSB Factual Report

On July 6, 2001, at 1950 eastern daylight time, a Fleet Model I, NC8627, registered to a private owner, nosed over while landing on a grass strip at the Homestead General Aviation Airport in Homestead, Florida. The airplane was operated by the private pilot under the provisions of Title 14 CFR Part 91 and visual flight rules. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan was filed for the local flight. The pilot was not injured, and the airplane sustained substantial damage. The flight originated from Homestead General Aviation Airport, in Homestead, Florida, at 1940.

According to the pilot, during touchdown on the grass strip, the tailwheel-equipped airplane slowed rapidly, down to about 10 miles per hour in 200 feet of ground roll. The pilot stated the tail came up, the propeller struck the ground, and the airplane nosed over and slid 10 feet inverted.

The pilot did not report a mechanical problem with the airplane during the attempted landing.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's improper use of flight controls during a landing on a sod airstrip that resulted in a nose over.