On June 23, 2014, a LUSCOMBE 8A A was involved in an aviation accident near Tucson, AZ. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The student pilot's use of excessive brakes during taxi, which resulted in a loss of aircraft control. This summary draws on records from NTSB; 12 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
A solo student pilot in a tailwheel airplane experienced a nose-over while taxiing when her foot became wedged on the brake pedal, causing the tail to rise and the aircraft to invert with substantial damage.
Event Details
A solo student pilot was taxiing a tailwheel-equipped airplane for the second leg of a cross-country flight. As she approached a hold short line, she applied the brakes to stop. While depressing the heel brakes, her foot became wedged, causing her to press the brake harder than intended. The tail of the airplane rose, dropping the nose to the ground. The aircraft hesitated momentarily with its tail in the air before falling onto its back.
Aircraft Damage
The airplane sustained substantial damage to the vertical stabilizer, rudder, and fuselage. The pilot reported no preimpact mechanical anomalies that would have precluded normal operation.
Contributing factors
Student/instructed pilotSurface speed/braking — Not attained/maintained
What happened in the 23 Jun 2014 LUSCOMBE 8A A accident near Tucson, AZ?
A solo student pilot in a tailwheel airplane experienced a nose-over while taxiing when her foot became wedged on the brake pedal, causing the tail to rise and the aircraft to invert with substantial damage.
Were there any fatalities in the 23 Jun 2014 LUSCOMBE 8A A accident?
No fatalities were recorded in this accident.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 23 Jun 2014 involved a LUSCOMBE 8A A, at Tucson, AZ.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The student pilot's use of excessive brakes during taxi, which resulted in a loss of aircraft control.
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