Event GAA15CA218

Factual narrative

The pilot reported that while on short final, two flocks of geese departed the field in front of his airplane; "no immediate evasion action was necessary". During the landing roll, the airplane began to swerve and veered off the runway to the left. The pilot reported that he "over-applied brake" and subsequently nosed over after attempting to avoid the runway edge lights. The pilot reported there were no pre-impact mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airframe or engine that would have precluded normal operation. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the empennage. The pilot reported that while on short final, two flocks of geese departed the field in front of his airplane; "no immediate evasion action was necessary".  During the landing roll, the airplane began to swerve and veered off the runway to the left. The pilot reported that he "over-applied brake" and subsequently nosed over after attempting to avoid the runway edge lights. The pilot reported there were no pre-impact mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airframe or engine that would have precluded normal operation. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the empennage. Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database Retrieved: 2026-02-12

NTSB Findings

Hierarchical cause / factor breakdown from the FAA bulk avdata database. Each finding tagged C (Cause) or F (Factor).

• C Personnel issues-Task performance-Use of equip/info-Aircraft control-Pilot - C
• C Aircraft-Aircraft oper/perf/capability-Performance/control parameters-Directional control-Not attained/maintained - C
• C Aircraft-Aircraft systems-Landing gear system-Brake-Incorrect use/operation - C
• — Environmental issues-Physical environment-Object/animal/substance-Animal(s)/bird(s)-Effect on operation