Piper PA 20
Hamilton, MT — July 12, 2019
Event Information
| Date | July 12, 2019 |
| Event Type | ACC |
| NTSB Number | GAA19CA408 |
| Event ID | 20190712X54743 |
| Location | Hamilton, MT |
| Country | USA |
| Coordinates | 46.25139, -114.12556 |
| Airport | Ravalli County |
| Highest Injury | MINR |
Aircraft
| Make | Piper |
| Model | PA 20 |
| Category | AIR |
| FAR Part | 091 |
| Aircraft Damage | SUBS |
Conditions
| Light Condition | DAYL |
| Weather | VMC |
Injuries
| Fatal | 0 |
| Serious | 0 |
| Minor | 1 |
| None | 0 |
| Total Injured | 1 |
Probable Cause
The pilot's loss of directional control due to his unintentional use of brakes instead of the rudder during the landing roll, which resulted in a nose-over.
Full Narrative
The pilot of the tailwheel-equipped airplane reported that, upon landing and approaching the taxiway he intended to exit, he lifted his feet from the "rudderbars" to engage the brakes. The airplane abruptly entered into a left turn and he "jabbed at the right rudder," but mistakenly utilized brake pedal. The airplane immediately nosed over.
The airplane sustained substantial damage to the right wing lift strut and rudder.
The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
The airport's automated weather observation station reported that, about the time of the accident, the wind was from 010° at 6 knots. The airplane was landing on runway 34.
The pilot reported that he believes the accident could have been avoided "if [he] had kept [his] feet on the rudderbars until [he] had exited the runway."
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.