On February 11, 2007, a Piper PA-12 (registration N2335M) was involved in an aviation accident near Elberton, GA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The passenger's inadvertent application of the left brake during landing roll, which resulted in a swerve to the left and impact with trees. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
According to the pilot, a rear passenger's foot on the brake during landing caused the aircraft to dart left, and the pilot could not correct with rudder. The airplane left the runway and struck trees.
Incident Overview
A pilot reported that during landing, a rear passenger inadvertently placed their foot on the brake pedal, causing the aircraft to veer sharply to the left. The pilot stated he was unable to counteract the resulting yaw using rudder inputs. The airplane subsequently departed the left side of the runway and collided with trees.
Post-Accident Examination
A post-accident inspection of the left wheel assembly found no binding or operational abnormalities with the left brake system. The pilot reported no other mechanical issues, and no additional problems were discovered during the examination of the aircraft.
Pilot Statement
The pilot's account attributes the runway excursion to the unintended brake application by the passenger, which led to asymmetrical braking and loss of directional control.
Frequently asked questions
What happened in the 11 Feb 2007 Piper PA-12 accident near Elberton, GA?
According to the pilot, a rear passenger's foot on the brake during landing caused the aircraft to dart left, and the pilot could not correct with rudder. The airplane left the runway and struck trees.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 11 Feb 2007 involved a Piper PA-12, registration N2335M, at Elberton, GA.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The passenger's inadvertent application of the left brake during landing roll, which resulted in a swerve to the left and impact with trees.
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