Casualties unknown

Student Pilot Noses Over After Applying Excessive Brake Pressure During Full Stop Landing (N8918Y)

Chugiak, AK, US

On July 5, 2004, a Piper PA-18-160 (registration N8918Y) was involved in an aviation accident near Chugiak, AK. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The student pilot inadvertently applied excessive brake pressure during the landing roll, causing the airplane to 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

A solo student pilot practicing touch-and-go landings on a 2,200-foot gravel runway experienced a nose-over during a full stop landing after applying too much brake pressure. The airplane sustained substantial damage.

Accident Details

A solo student pilot was conducting touch-and-go landing practice on a 2,200-foot-long gravel runway. After completing four successful touch-and-go landings, the pilot decided to perform a full stop landing. During the landing roll, the airplane veered slightly to the left. In an attempt to realign the airplane with the runway, the pilot applied the brakes. As the airplane neared the end of the landing roll, the pilot inadvertently applied too much brake pressure, causing the airplane to nose over.

Pilot Report

The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical problems with the airplane. He stated that the nose-over resulted from his own application of excessive brake pressure.

Damage

The airplane sustained substantial damage to the wings, fuselage, and empennage.

Probable cause

The student pilot inadvertently applied excessive brake pressure during the landing roll, causing the airplane to nose over.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20040706X00909. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.