Casualties unknown

Airplane Noses Over During Landing After Uncommanded Braking Due to Battery Cable Contact (N8560C)

Fairbanks, AK, US

On June 9, 1996, a Piper PA-18 (registration N8560C) operated by Joseph A. Nava was involved in an aviation accident near Fairbanks, AK. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The battery cable contacted the left rudder pedal and brake when the right rudder pedal was applied, causing uncommanded left brake pressure. 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, an airplane veered left despite right rudder and brake application. It nosed over after maximum braking. Investigation revealed a relocated battery cable contacted the left rudder pedal, causing uncommanded left brake pressure.

Accident Sequence

During the landing roll, the airplane began to veer to the left. The pilot applied right rudder and right brake in an attempt to correct the deviation. Despite these inputs, the airplane continued to veer left. The pilot then applied maximum braking, and the airplane nosed over.

Aircraft Examination

Examination of the airplane after the accident revealed that the battery had been relocated from its original position at the rear of the airplane to a location underneath the instrument panel. This relocation was performed in accordance with a Supplemental Type Certificate (STC). The examination found that the battery cable could come into contact with the left rudder pedal and brake when the right rudder pedal was applied. This contact caused the application of uncommanded left brake pressure.

Probable Cause

The investigation determined that the battery cable contacting the left rudder pedal and brake when the right rudder pedal was applied led to uncommanded left brake pressure, which contributed to the loss of directional control during landing.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001208X05892. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.