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Student Pilot Nose-Over After Aborted Three-Point Landing (N7494K)

Salt Lake City, UT, US

On June 6, 2006, a Piper PA-20 (registration N7494K) operated by Craig T. Weaver was involved in an aviation accident near Salt Lake City, UT. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: An improper flare and the pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the landing which resulted in the aircraft nosing over. Delayed remedial action was a factor. 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

A student pilot practicing three-point landings experienced bouncing and drifting, then aborted a go-around and braked, causing the airplane to nose over and come to rest upside down off the runway.

Incident Description

A student pilot was practicing three-point landings when the airplane began to bounce and drift to the left. The pilot initially considered a go-around but hesitated as the bouncing and drifting continued.

Pilot's Account

The pilot stated that he then decided to go around, adding full power and raising the flaps. After adding full power, the airplane continued to bounce and porpoise while drifting further left. This prompted the pilot to abort the go-around. He then applied right rudder and right brake. The pilot reported, "...then I panicked and hit both brakes. The airplane nosed over and came to rest upside down [off the side of the runway]."

Sequence of Events

  • The airplane bounced and drifted left during landing practice.
  • The pilot hesitated on a go-around decision.
  • Full power and flap retraction were applied for the go-around.
  • The airplane continued bouncing and porpoising, drifting left.
  • The pilot aborted the go-around and applied right rudder and right brake.
  • Panicking, the pilot applied both brakes.
  • The airplane nosed over and came to rest inverted off the runway.

Remarks

The pilot commented, "I should have gone around sooner rather than thinking about it."

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 6 Jun 2006 Piper PA-20 accident near Salt Lake City, UT?

A student pilot practicing three-point landings experienced bouncing and drifting, then aborted a go-around and braked, causing the airplane to nose over and come to rest upside down off the runway.

Were there any fatalities in the 6 Jun 2006 Piper PA-20 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 6 Jun 2006 involved a Piper PA-20, registration N7494K, operated by Craig T. Weaver, at Salt Lake City, UT.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

An improper flare and the pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the landing which resulted in the aircraft nosing over. Delayed remedial action was a factor.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20060711X00923. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.