Casualties unknown

Tailwheel Training Flight Ends in Nose-Over After Student Brakes During Rollout (N91952)

Knik, AK, US

On June 12, 1993, a Piper PA-3 (registration N91952) operated by Tanner, John was involved in an aviation accident near Knik, AK. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE IMPROPER USE OF THE FLIGHT CONTROLS BY THE STUDENT PILOT AND INADEQUATE SUPERVISION BY THE CFI PILOT-IN-COMMAND. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-06-10Data APIEditorial standards

During landing rollout, a student pilot applied brakes despite an instructor's warning about sensitivity. The airplane pitched forward and came to rest inverted.

Accident Overview

A training flight involving a student pilot and an instructor ended with the airplane nosing over during the landing rollout. The aircraft sustained damage after coming to rest inverted.

Flight Sequence

Prior to the accident, the student pilot had completed several full-stop wheel landings at the airport. On the accident flight, the student retarded the throttle to idle and initiated erratic longitudinal control inputs during the rollout. The instructor then applied left rudder to correct directional control and used elevator control to lower the tailwheel to the ground. At the same moment, the student depressed the brake pedals. The airplane subsequently pitched up onto its nose and continued over onto its back.

Instructor's Warning

Before the mishap flight, the instructor had informed the student that the airplane was equipped with dual puck Cleveland brakes, describing them as very sensitive, and instructed the student to stay off the brakes.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001211X12504. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.