Casualties unknown

Airplane Noses Over After Landing on Grass Strip (N271T)

Cedartown, GA, US

On April 28, 2004, a Piper PA-18 (registration N271T) was involved in an aviation accident near Cedartown, GA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's improper use of brakes during landing roll 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 2026-06-10Data APIEditorial standards

A pilot applied brakes after landing on a grass strip alongside runway 28, causing the tail to lift and the pilot to slide forward, inadvertently increasing brake and forward elevator pressure, leading to a nose-over. No mechanical issues were reported.

Accident Description

According to the pilot, after landing on the grass strip alongside runway 28, he applied the brakes. The tail of the airplane immediately lifted up, and the pilot slid forward in the seat. While sliding forward, the pilot inadvertently applied more pressure on the brakes as well as forward pressure on the elevator. The pilot reported he applied heavy braking, and the airplane nosed over.

Aircraft Examination

The pilot reported no mechanical problems with the airplane. Examination of the airplane revealed spinner damage, a bent right wing strut, a bent rudder, a nick in the propeller, and damage to the windscreen.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20040524X00633. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.