On 1 Nov 2009, a CESSNA 120 operated by AVIATION FACILITIES INC was involved in an aviation accident near Mineral Canyon, UT. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's incorrect use of brakes, which resulted in the airplane nosing over. This summary draws on records from NTSB; 12 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
A pilot aborted takeoff due to poor performance, applied brakes aggressively, and the airplane nosed over, damaging wings and tail. No mechanical issues found.
Incident Overview
According to a written statement from the pilot, during the departure roll the airplane did not perform as expected. The pilot decided to abort the takeoff and applied the brakes aggressively. This action caused the airplane to nose over, resulting in damage to the wings and tail section.
Pilot's Recommendation
In the NTSB Pilot/Operator Report (Form 6120.1/2), under the "RECOMMENDATION" section, the pilot stated that the accident could have been prevented with "better control of braking." The pilot also noted that there were no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airframe or engine.