Casualties unknown

Private Pilot Reports Inadvertent Brake Application During Takeoff Roll Leading to Nose-Over (N2364)

Kotzebue, AK, US

On July 23, 2004, a Piper J5A (registration N2364) operated by Donald D. Knoblich was involved in an aviation accident near Kotzebue, AK. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's inadvertent use of the airplane's brakes during the takeoff roll, which resulted in the airplane nosing over. A factor contributing to the accident was the pilot's failure to maintain directional control. 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 private solo pilot reported that during the initial takeoff roll the airplane veered left. Right rudder input caused the right main wheel brake to lock, nosing the airplane over. The pilot discovered he had been depressing the brake pedal with his heel.

Accident Details

The pilot, who was flying solo, stated that the purpose of the flight was to perform several touch-and-go landings. During the initial takeoff roll, the airplane began to veer slightly to the left of the runway centerline. In an attempt to correct the veer, he applied a slight amount of right rudder, but the airplane continued to the left. When he applied additional pressure to the right rudder pedal, the right main wheel brake "locked up" and the airplane subsequently nosed over.

Pilot Actions and Discovery

After the accident, the pilot discovered that he had inadvertently been depressing the brake pedal with the heel of his shoe. He reported that there were no preaccident mechanical anomalies with the airplane.

Aircraft Damage

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

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20040831X01333. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.