On February 24, 2004, a Piper PA-20 (registration N7321K) was involved in an aviation accident near Laurel, MT. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The student pilot's excessive application of the brakes during landing, resulting in the aircraft nosing over. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A student pilot on his first solo flight experienced a rough second landing, applied too much brake while releasing flaps, causing the aircraft to nose over and come to rest inverted. No mechanical failure found.
The Flight
According to the student pilot's report, after completing flight training with his instructor, he prepared for his first solo flight to perform touch-and-go landings. The first landing was uneventful.
The Incident
During the second landing, the student described the touchdown as "rough." He then "powered then brought it in again," resulting in a soft landing but with the aircraft sideways to the runway heading. While reaching down to release the flaps, the student stated, "As I did I began to wander." Intending only to "touch the brakes," he reported that "apparently I applied too much." The aircraft subsequently nosed over and came to rest inverted.
Post-Accident Inspection
An inspection of the wheels and brakes conducted after the accident found no evidence of a mechanical failure or malfunction.
Probable cause
The student pilot's excessive application of the brakes during landing, resulting in the aircraft nosing over.