On 23 Oct 2019, a Cessna 120 No Series was involved in an aviation accident near Marion, AL. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The student pilot's overapplication of the brakes during landing to avoid a deer on the runway, which resulted in a nose-over. This summary draws on records from NTSB; 12 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
A student pilot applied brakes to avoid a deer on the runway, causing the airplane to nose over and sustain substantial damage to the left-wing lift strut and rudder.
Incident Overview
A student pilot reported that during the landing roll, a deer entered the runway directly in front of the airplane's path. In response, the pilot firmly applied the brakes. The airplane subsequently nosed over and came to rest inverted.
Aircraft Damage
The accident resulted in substantial damage to the left-wing lift strut and the rudder. No other damage was reported.
Pilot Report
The pilot stated that there were no mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. The pilot did not submit the National Transportation Safety Board Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident/Incident Report Form 6120.1.
Contributing factors
Student/instructed pilotIncorrect use/operationEffect on operation