Casualties unknown

Nose-Over During Landing Rollout After Main Gear Contact (N19CK)

Sikeston, MO, US

On September 6, 2003, a Bellanca 8GCBC (registration N19CK) was involved in an aviation accident near Sikeston, MO. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's inadvertent activation of the brake system during touchdown and his inadequate remedial action, which resulted in the airplane nosing 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 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

An airplane nosed over during landing rollout. The pilot reported the wheels dug in immediately after touchdown, leading to a tail-high attitude and propeller strike. Inspection found no anomalies in the brake system or landing gear.

Summary

During the landing rollout, the airplane nosed over, resulting in a propeller strike and the aircraft flipping inverted. The pilot stated that after the main gear touched down, the wheels immediately dug in as if not turning. The airplane assumed a tail-high attitude; despite the pilot pulling the stick fully aft, recovery was not possible. The propeller struck the ground, and the airplane flipped upside down.

Narrative

The pilot reported an uneventful traffic pattern until touchdown. The touchdown point was approximately 300 feet down the runway, with the aircraft landing to the north. Two parallel brake skid marks began near the touchdown point and extended for about 150 feet. Propeller-strike markings started approximately 100 feet from the touchdown point, totaling 13 marks. The wreckage came to rest roughly 200 feet from the touchdown point.

After the accident, the pilot inspected the airplane and confirmed the parking brake was fully disengaged. The main landing gear, including wheels, tires, rotors, brake calipers, and brake pads, were examined. No anomalies were found in any of these components; all were in serviceable condition. The brake system functioned as designed when the brake pedals were depressed and released.

Findings

  • The airplane nosed over during the landing rollout.
  • The pilot reported the wheels dug in immediately upon touchdown.
  • Skid marks and propeller-strike markings were present on the runway.
  • Post-accident inspection of the landing gear and brake system revealed no anomalies.
  • The parking brake was confirmed disengaged by the pilot.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 6 Sept 2003 Bellanca 8GCBC accident near Sikeston, MO?

An airplane nosed over during landing rollout. The pilot reported the wheels dug in immediately after touchdown, leading to a tail-high attitude and propeller strike. Inspection found no anomalies in the brake system or landing gear.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 6 Sept 2003 involved a Bellanca 8GCBC, registration N19CK, at Sikeston, MO.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's inadvertent activation of the brake system during touchdown and his inadequate remedial action, which resulted in the airplane nosing over.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20030910X01504. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.