Casualties unknown

Aircraft Noses Over During Landing Roll After Pilot Mistakenly Applies Right Brake (N3950S)

Raymond, WA, US

On March 21, 2004, a Cessna 172E (registration N3950S) was involved in an aviation accident near Raymond, WA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's mistaken application of right rudder/brake pressure due to familiarity with the Ercoupe's brake location. 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

During landing roll, the pilot applied more right rudder/brake pressure than left, causing the aircraft to veer off the runway onto soft wet grass, where it nosed over and came to rest inverted.

Incident Details

The pilot of the accident aircraft reported that the aircraft deviated from the runway centerline during the landing roll, drifting slightly to the right. The pilot then applied corrective inputs, but inadvertently applied more right rudder/brake pressure than left, causing the aircraft to veer further right. The aircraft departed the runway surface onto soft, wet grassy terrain.

Pilot Background

The pilot had recently purchased the aircraft and noted that the majority of his prior flight experience was in an Ercoupe aircraft. The Ercoupe features a brake positioned on the right rudder pedal, a configuration different from the accident aircraft.

Sequence of Events

As the aircraft slowed on the soft ground, the nose wheel dug into the terrain, leading the aircraft to nosed over. The aircraft came to rest inverted. No further details regarding injuries or aircraft damage were provided in the report.

Outcome

The aircraft nosed over and came to rest inverted after the landing roll excursion. The pilot's statement indicated that his familiarity with the Ercoupe's brake system led to the asymmetric application of braking force.

Probable cause

The pilot's mistaken application of right rudder/brake pressure due to familiarity with the Ercoupe's brake location.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 21 Mar 2004 Cessna 172E accident near Raymond, WA?

During landing roll, the pilot applied more right rudder/brake pressure than left, causing the aircraft to veer off the runway onto soft wet grass, where it nosed over and came to rest inverted.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 21 Mar 2004 involved a Cessna 172E, registration N3950S, at Raymond, WA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's mistaken application of right rudder/brake pressure due to familiarity with the Ercoupe's brake location.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20040324X00360. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.