CEN16LA202

Factual narrative

On May 29, 2016, about 1100 mountain daylight time, an experimental, amateur-built Harry Oas Pitts S1C airplane, N95R, was substantially damaged when it nosed over following a runway excursion during landing on runway 14L (4,616 feet by 150 feet, asphalt) at the Cavern City Air Terminal (CNM), Carlsbad, New Mexico. The pilot was not injured. The airplane was registered to and operated by private individuals under the provisions of 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 as a personal flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the flight, which was not operated on a flight plan. The flight originated from the Big Spring McMahon-Wrinkle Airport (BPG), Big Spring, Texas, at about 0935.The pilot reported that the prevailing wind was from 160 degrees at 8 knots while on approach to runway 14L at CNM. The approach and touchdown were without incident; however, as the airplane slowed, a "slight" left turn developed. Right rudder and brake inputs were not effective. The left turn continued until the airplane departed the runway pavement. The right wing subsequently struck the ground and the airplane nosed over. Examination of the runway environment revealed a skid mark beginning left of the centerline and gradually curving toward the left side of the pavement. The mark appeared to have been associated with the left main landing gear tire. There did not appear to be any skid marks associated with the right main landing gear tire. A postaccident examination was conducted by a local mechanic on behalf of the NTSB. Flight control continuity was confirmed and each control surface exhibited freedom of movement. The brake system was intact and operational. No flat spots were observed on either tire. The mechanic noted that the brakes seemed to be "touchy," adding that a small amount of pedal travel was required to actuate the brakes. In addition, the firewall exhibited a scrape mark and depression consistent with contact from the right rudder/brake pedal linkage. However, movement of the right pedal did not appear to be restricted. The commercial pilot was landing the tailwheel-equipped airplane; it departed the left side of the runway during the landing roll and subsequently nosed over. A skid mark associated with the left main wheel was observed on the runway following the accident. A postaccident examination did not reveal any anomalies of the brake system. Left and right rudder/brake pedal travel was not restricted, and the brake system was intact and operational. Weather information indicated that there was a 20° right crosswind at 8 knots about the time of the accident. Given the absence of mechanical anomalies, it is likely that the pilot failed to maintain directional control during the landing roll. Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database Retrieved: 2026-02-12

NTSB Findings

FAA avdata. C = Cause, F = Factor.

• C Aircraft-Aircraft oper/perf/capability-Performance/control parameters-Crosswind correction-Not attained/maintained - C
• C Aircraft-Aircraft oper/perf/capability-Performance/control parameters-Directional control-Not attained/maintained - C
• C Environmental issues-Conditions/weather/phenomena-Wind-Crosswind-Response/compensation - C