Cessna 140
Denver, CO — October 15, 2018
Event Information
| Date | October 15, 2018 |
| Event Type | ACC |
| NTSB Number | GAA19CA026 |
| Event ID | 20181016X92927 |
| Location | Denver, CO |
| Country | USA |
| Coordinates | 39.79361, -104.54139 |
| Airport | FRONT RANGE |
| Highest Injury | NONE |
Aircraft
| Make | Cessna |
| Model | 140 |
| Category | AIR |
| FAR Part | 091 |
| Aircraft Damage | SUBS |
Conditions
| Light Condition | DAYL |
| Weather | VMC |
Injuries
| Fatal | 0 |
| Serious | 0 |
| Minor | 0 |
| None | 2 |
| Total Injured | 0 |
Event Location
Probable Cause
The pilot’s inadvertent brake application, which resulted in a loss of directional control and a subsequent nose-over.
Full Narrative
The pilot of the tailwheel-equipped airplane reported that, during the preflight for a demonstration flight with a second pilot, they discussed the nose-over tendencies of the airplane and the necessity to "stay off the brakes." He added that, during the fourth touch and go landing, the second pilot was flying and performed a wheel landing. During the landing roll, the airplane drifted to the right and the pilot "came on the rudders to help." Suddenly, the airplane nosed over.
The pilot reported that he believed he was responsible for the accident and that one of them must have inadvertently applied the brakes. He also believed he misjudged the second pilot's tailwheel experience.
The second pilot reported that, at the time of the accident, he had a tailwheel endorsement and met the recency of experience requirements. He added that, during the landing roll, the airplane was tracking the centerline when "suddenly and unexpectedly", it nosed over.
The airplane sustained substantial damage to the right wing lift strut and empennage.
The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
About This NTSB Record
This aviation event was investigated by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). NTSB investigates all U.S. civil aviation accidents to determine probable cause and issue safety recommendations to prevent future accidents.