Casualties unknown

1984-09-04: Great Lakes 2T-1A-2 (N3673L) — California Aviation — Van Nuys, CA

Van Nuys, CA, US

On September 4, 1984, a Great Lakes 2T-1A-2 (registration N3673L) operated by California Aviation was involved in an aviation accident near Van Nuys, CA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The student pilot's improper use of brakes during a touch-and-go landing, which resulted in the aircraft nosing over. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 5 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 1781061362Data APIEditorial standards

A student pilot lost directional control during a touch-and-go landing, then applied heavy braking that caused the aircraft to nose over and come to rest inverted.

What happened

The accident occurred during a training flight involving a certified pilot receiving dual instruction. The student pilot was at the controls when performing a third touch-and-go landing maneuver. During this phase of the flight, directional control was temporarily lost.

The certified flight instructor (CFI) seated in the front cockpit regained control of the aircraft shortly after the loss of direction. However, the situation deteriorated quickly as the student pilot under instruction applied heavy braking. This action caused the aircraft to nose over, ultimately coming to rest in an inverted position.

The investigation

The investigation focused on the sequence of events during the landing maneuver. It was determined that the initial loss of directional control was temporary and managed by the flight instructor. The subsequent nose-over was directly attributed to the application of heavy braking by the student pilot after control had been re-established.

Findings

Contributing factors included the temporary loss of directional control during the touch-and-go landing and the inappropriate application of heavy braking by the student pilot. These actions resulted in the aircraft nosing over and resting inverted.

Probable cause

The student pilot's improper use of brakes during a touch-and-go landing, which resulted in the aircraft nosing over.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001214X41113. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.