No fatalities

Student Pilot's Aircraft Noses Over After Landing Due to Locked Wheel (N71836)

Puyallup, WA, US

On February 13, 1996, a Luscombe 8A (registration N71836) was involved in an aviation accident near Puyallup, WA. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The right brake lining had debonded and wedged into the right main wheel, jamming it and preventing it from rotating. 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 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

A student pilot reported the right wheel locked during brake application after landing, causing the airplane to nose over. Postaccident inspection revealed debonded brake lining jamming the right main wheel.

Accident Overview

The incident occurred after the student pilot landed the airplane. While preparing to exit the runway, the pilot applied normal brakes. However, the right wheel locked, causing the aircraft to veer. In an attempt to prevent a ground loop, the pilot applied the left brake. This action resulted in the airplane nosing over.

Aircraft Condition

The pilot stated that the airplane had not undergone an annual inspection in over two years. Following the accident, an inspection revealed that the right brake lining had debonded. The debonded lining wedged into the right main wheel, jamming it and preventing it from rotating. This mechanical failure was the direct cause of the wheel locking.

Pilot Certification

The investigation noted that the student pilot's certificate was not signed. Additionally, the pilot's logbook contained no instructor endorsements for solo privileges.

Probable cause

The right brake lining had debonded and wedged into the right main wheel, jamming it and preventing it from rotating.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 13 Feb 1996 Luscombe 8A accident near Puyallup, WA?

A student pilot reported the right wheel locked during brake application after landing, causing the airplane to nose over. Postaccident inspection revealed debonded brake lining jamming the right main wheel.

Were there any fatalities in the 13 Feb 1996 Luscombe 8A accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 13 Feb 1996 involved a Luscombe 8A, registration N71836, at Puyallup, WA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The right brake lining had debonded and wedged into the right main wheel, jamming it and preventing it from rotating.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001208X05326. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.