On June 29, 1986, a Piper J3C-65 (registration N3627K) was involved in an aviation accident near Pleasant Grove, CA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's application of excessive brake pressure after touchdown, which resulted in the aircraft nosing over. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A pilot installed new brakes prior to a local flight. After touchdown, he applied too much pressure to the pedals and could not release them in time, causing the aircraft to nose over.
What happened
The pilot reported that new brakes had been installed on the aircraft prior to the flight. The flight was conducted as a local trip. Upon completion of the flight, the aircraft touched down at the conclusion of the sortie.
After touchdown, the pilot stated that he applied excessive pressure to the brake pedals. He noted that he was unable to release this pressure in time to prevent the aircraft from nosing over.
No accident report containing flight time was received from the pilot.
Probable cause
The pilot's application of excessive brake pressure after touchdown, which resulted in the aircraft nosing over.