SEA03LA194

The pilot reported that during the landing roll, he believes that he relaxed back pressure on the control stick which allowed the tail to rise as he applied left rudder input. The aircraft veered to the left and the pilot applied some braking action to avoid a departure from the side of the runway. The nose dropped and the aircraft subsequently nosed over. During a post accident inspection of the wheels and brake system, there was no evidence found to indicate a mechanical failure or malfunction.

On September 24, 2003, at 1145 Pacific daylight time, a Luscombe 8F, N9913C, registered to and operated by the pilot as a 14 CFR Part 91 personal flight, nosed over during the landing roll at Bremerton National Airport, Bremerton, Washington. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time and no flight plan was filed for the local flight. The aircraft was substantially damaged and the commercial pilot, the sole occupant, was not injured. The local flight originated in Bremerton about one hour and 15 minutes prior to the accident.

During a telephone interview and subsequent written statement, the pilot reported that he was practicing a short field landing. The touchdown was made in a three point attitude on runway 1. The pilot stated that although he does not have a clear memory of what happened, but expected that he relaxed back pressure on the control stick which allowed the tail to rise as he applied some left rudder input. The aircraft veered to the left and the pilot applied some braking action to avoid a departure from the side of the runway. The nose dropped and the aircraft subsequently nosed over.

During the recovery of the aircraft and afterward when the aircraft was righted, the braking system and wheels were inspected by a certificated mechanic and a Federal Aviation Administration Inspector from the Renton, Washington, Flight Standards District Office. During the inspection, there was no evidence found to indicate a mechanical failure or malfunction.

Damage to the aircraft included the top of the horizontal stabilizer and rudder were crushed downward, the fuselage skin was deformed just aft of the main landing gear, and the left side wing tip leading edge was crushed aft.