On June 13, 1994, a Piper PA-12 (registration N7690H) operated by Pease, Robert J. was involved in an aviation accident near Anchorage, AK. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The student pilot's improper use of brakes during the landing rollout, which resulted in the aircraft nosing over. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A student pilot practicing takeoffs and landings experienced a nose-over incident after applying wheel brakes too aggressively following a normal landing rollout.
What happened
The flight involved a student pilot with eighteen hours of experience in the specific model of aircraft, accompanied by a certified flight instructor acting as an observer and check pilot. The primary objective of the session was to practice takeoff and landing procedures.
During one of the maneuvers, the aircraft completed a normal landing. As the airplane began its initial rollout on the runway, the student pilot applied the wheel brakes. The application of braking force resulted in the aircraft nosing over. Following the incident, the pilot acknowledged that superior brake control was necessary on his part to prevent such an occurrence.
The investigation
The investigation focused on the mechanical operation of the braking system and the pilot's handling of the controls during the rollout phase. No mechanical failures were reported regarding the brakes themselves; the issue was identified as a control error during the application of braking pressure.
Probable cause
The student pilot's improper use of brakes during the landing rollout, which resulted in the aircraft nosing over.