On June 25, 1998, a Piper J3C-65 (registration N30576) was involved in an aviation accident near Redding, CA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's excessive braking, which caused the tail to become light. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
During taxi to the hangar at about 10 mph, the pilot's excessive braking caused the tail to become light, resulting in the aircraft nosing over and coming to rest inverted. No wind was reported.
Accident Details
According to the pilot's account, the aircraft had landed and was taxiing toward the hangar. It was moving along the runway centerline at approximately 10 miles per hour. The pilot reported that during the taxi, the tail became light due to excessive braking. This caused the aircraft to nose over and come to rest inverted.
Environment and Mechanical Status
The pilot noted that there were two windsocks on the field, and both indicated no wind at the time of the event. Additionally, the pilot stated that no mechanical malfunction had been experienced with the aircraft prior to the accident.
Outcome
The aircraft came to rest inverted after nosing over on the runway. The source does not provide further details on injuries or damage.
Probable cause
The pilot's excessive braking, which caused the tail to become light.