NTSB Factual Report

On July 4, 2004, about 0830 Pacific daylight time, a Cessna T210M, N761TD, sustained substantial damage subsequent to a nose over during landing at Mallard Creek Ranch east of Dixie, Idaho. The airplane is owned by JJ Arrow, LLC, and was being operated by the pilot as a visual flight rules (VFR) cross-country flight under the provisions of Title 14, CFR Part 91, when the accident occurred. The private pilot and pilot rated passenger were not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan was filed for the flight. The flight originated from Bountiful, Utah, approximately 3 hours prior to the accident.

In a written statement dated July 8, 2004, the pilot reported he encountered a "wind swirl" while landing to the north on the 2,000-foot grass runway. The pilot stated he corrected for the situation, however, the airplane touched on the left shoulder of the runway. Shortly after touchdown, the airplane encountered soft ground conditions and nosed-over.

NTSB Probable Cause

Improper touchdown during landing. A factor contributing to the accident was soft ground conditions.