No fatalities

19 Jul 2011: CESSNA 120 — MAYFIELD BRUCE J — Pendleton, OR

Pendleton, OR, United States

On 19 Jul 2011, a CESSNA 120 operated by MAYFIELD BRUCE J was involved in an aviation accident near Pendleton, OR. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's excessive brake application while landing on rough terrain. This summary draws on records from NTSB; 12 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

SourcesNTSBPrimary reportUpdated 1778583330Data APIEditorial standards

A pilot performed an off-airport landing in a tailwheel airplane; hard braking on rough terrain caused the aircraft to nose over, resulting in substantial damage to the wings and fuselage.

Accident Summary

A pilot conducting a local area personal flight decided to land in an open field rather than at an airport. The airplane, equipped with a tailwheel, touched down without incident, but the pilot applied hard braking to shorten the landing roll on the uneven ground. As the airplane decelerated, it nosed over onto its back.

Damage and Pilot Report

Both wings and the fuselage sustained substantial damage. The pilot reported that the airplane's systems operated normally and that there were no mechanical issues prior to the accident.

Pilot's Recommendation

In the NTSB Form 6120.1, the pilot noted that landings requiring higher demands than a pilot's current skill level should not be attempted.

Contributing factors

Causes

PilotIncorrect use/operation

Other contributing factors

Contributed to outcome