NTSB Factual Report

On August 30, 2013, at 1930 central daylight time, a Weaver Cessna 305E, N862, nosed-over and impacted the runway during landing at Cox Field Airport (PRX), Paris, Texas. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the wings and vertical stabilizer. The private pilot was uninjured. The airplane was registered to and operated by the pilot under 14 CFR Part 91 as a personal flight that was not operating on a flight plan. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the local flight that originated from PRX.

In a written statement provided to the Federal Aviation Administration, the pilot stated that the airplane touched down on the main landing gear wheels during a wheel landing on runway 17. The engine power was at idle and after about 4-5 seconds, the right main landing gear started to oscillate causing a braking effect. To compensate, the pilot added left brake. The propeller then contacted the runway surface and the airplane suddenly nosed-over.

An airplane logbook entry dated September 25, 2013, stated that inspection of the Cessna L-19 castoring landing gear revealed that the outside O-ring was blown resulting in insufficient fluid pressure. The entry made reference to the Cessna L-19 Maintenance Manual, page 4-53, figure 4-29.

A National Transportation Safety Board Aircraft Accident/Incident Report (Form 6120.1) was emailed to the pilot on September 20, 2013, and on November 25, 2013. Form 6120.1 was not received from the pilot.

NTSB Probable Cause

The failure of a landing gear O-ring, which prevented the pilot from being able to maintain directional control of the airplane during landing.