Casualties unknown

Tailwheel Airplane Nose-Over During Short Field Landing Instruction (N36LE)

Anchorage, AK, US

On April 20, 2003, an Aviat A1 (registration N36LE) was involved in an aviation accident near Anchorage, AK. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Excessive application of the brakes by the flight instructor during a short field landing, resulting in a nose-over. 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 primary flight instruction, a tailwheel airplane nosed over after the flight instructor applied excessive brakes on a gravel airstrip.

Incident Overview

A student pilot was receiving primary flight instruction in a tailwheel airplane. The flight instructor was demonstrating a short field landing on a gravel airstrip. According to both the student and the instructor, shortly after touchdown, the instructor inadvertently applied the brakes too hard and for too long. The excessive application of the brakes caused the airplane to nose over.

Details from the Instructor

The instructor reported that the brake application was excessive in both force and duration. He stated that this resulted in the airplane nosing over immediately after the landing.

Sequence of Events

The flight was conducted as a training session focused on short field landing techniques. The instructor was performing the demonstration when the incident occurred. No other information regarding the location, time, or extent of damage was provided.

Conclusion

The nose-over was attributed solely to the excessive brake application during the landing roll. No other factors were mentioned in the source.

Probable cause

Excessive application of the brakes by the flight instructor during a short field landing, resulting in a nose-over.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20030422X00543. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.