On April 18, 2000, a Piper PA-18-150 (registration N10100) operated by Trent R. Davey was involved in an aviation accident near Big Lake, AK. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot reported that the forward center of gravity and strong brake system led to a nose-over tendency, and his unfamiliarity with the aircraft prevented him from compensating for this. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A solo pilot reported that a newly purchased airplane nosed over during taxi when heel brakes were applied, attributing the incident to forward center of gravity and strong brakes.
Event Summary
A solo airline transport pilot was taxiing a newly purchased airplane for takeoff when the aircraft nosed over after the pilot applied the heel brakes. The incident occurred during the pilot's first flight in the airplane without the weight of another person in the back seat.
Aircraft Information
The airplane had been modified with a nose-mounted battery, double puck brakes, and a boosted brake system. These modifications were noted by the pilot in his account to the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) investigator-in-charge.
Pilot Account
The pilot indicated that he applied the heel brakes during taxi, causing the airplane to nose over. He stated that this was his first flight in the airplane without another person in the back seat, which shifted the center of gravity forward. The pilot felt that the combination of a forward center of gravity and the strong brake system made the airplane prone to nosing over when excessive braking was applied. He added that he was unfamiliar with the newly purchased aircraft and did not compensate for this tendency.
Probable cause
The pilot reported that the forward center of gravity and strong brake system led to a nose-over tendency, and his unfamiliarity with the aircraft prevented him from compensating for this.
Frequently asked questions
What happened in the 18 Apr 2000 Piper PA-18-150 accident near Big Lake, AK?
A solo pilot reported that a newly purchased airplane nosed over during taxi when heel brakes were applied, attributing the incident to forward center of gravity and strong brakes.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 18 Apr 2000 involved a Piper PA-18-150, registration N10100, operated by Trent R. Davey, at Big Lake, AK.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The pilot reported that the forward center of gravity and strong brake system led to a nose-over tendency, and his unfamiliarity with the aircraft prevented him from compensating for this.
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