On August 1, 2004, a Piper PA22-20 (registration N3838P) was involved in an aviation accident near Wht Sulphur Spg, MT. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's improper braking technique during the landing rollout, which resulted in a noseover. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A pilot undergoing tailwheel training overstated braking during rollout, causing a runway noseover that damaged the wing strut and stabilizer.
What happened
The pilot was conducting a flight specifically to obtain a tailwheel endorsement and accumulate fifteen hours of logged time for aircraft insurance requirements. During this instructional flight, the pilot landed the airplane and proceeded with the rollout phase on the runway. While attempting to slow the aircraft, he applied the brakes with excessive force. This aggressive braking action caused the airplane to swerve and subsequently nose over while still on the paved surface.
The investigation
Post-accident examination of the airframe revealed significant structural damage resulting from the noseover event. The left wing strut was found to be bent due to the impact with the ground. Additionally, the vertical stabilizer sustained damage characterized by both bending and wrinkling of the structure.
Findings
The primary factor leading to the accident was the pilot's application of brakes too hard during the landing rollout. This action resulted in the loss of directional control and the subsequent noseover of the aircraft. The pilot was managing the flight for training purposes, which may have contributed to the handling error during the critical ground phase.
Probable cause
The pilot's improper braking technique during the landing rollout, which resulted in a noseover.