No fatalities

Pilot Reports Nose Over After Brake Input During Landing

McKinney, TX, United States

On October 17, 2015, a CESSNA 120 NO SERIES was involved in an aviation accident near McKinney, TX. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The airplane nosed over as a result of the brake input. This summary draws on records from NTSB; 12 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

SourcesNTSBPrimary reportUpdated 2026-08-03Data APIEditorial standards

A pilot reported that after touchdown, applying right rudder and brake to counter a ground loop prevented the loop but resulted in the airplane nosing over, causing substantial damage.

Incident Details

The pilot reported that after landing, the airplane began to veer. To counteract a potential ground loop, the pilot applied right rudder and brake. The maneuver successfully prevented the ground loop; however, the brake input caused the airplane to nose over. The pilot stated there were no pre-impact mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airframe or engine that would have precluded normal operation.

Damage

A postflight inspection revealed substantial damage to the fuselage, the right wing support strut, and the empennage.

Pilot's Recommendation

As a safety recommendation, the pilot suggested more judicious use of brakes in the future.

Probable cause

The airplane nosed over as a result of the brake input.

Contributing factors

PilotIncorrect use/operation

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 17 Oct 2015 CESSNA 120 NO SERIES accident near McKinney, TX?

A pilot reported that after touchdown, applying right rudder and brake to counter a ground loop prevented the loop but resulted in the airplane nosing over, causing substantial damage.

Were there any fatalities in the 17 Oct 2015 CESSNA 120 NO SERIES accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 17 Oct 2015 involved a CESSNA 120 NO SERIES, at McKinney, TX.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The airplane nosed over as a result of the brake input.