Event GAA17CA199

Factual narrative

The student pilot in the tailwheel-equipped airplane reported that he accomplished several takeoffs and landings to the asphalt runway during his solo flight in the pattern. He reported that during his sixth landing, the airplane swerved to the left and subsequently swerved to the right during the landing roll. He attempted to control the airplane's direction with rudder pedal application, but he inadvertently applied the toe brakes and the airplane nosed over. The airplane sustained substantial damage to both left side wing struts, the rudder, and the windscreen. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. The student pilot in the tailwheel-equipped airplane reported that he accomplished several takeoffs and landings on the asphalt runway during his solo flight in the pattern. He reported that, during his sixth landing, the airplane swerved to the left and subsequently swerved to the right during the landing roll. He attempted to control the airplane's direction with rudder pedal application, but he inadvertently applied the toe brakes, and the airplane nosed over. The airplane sustained substantial damage to both left side wing struts, the rudder, and the windscreen. The student reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. 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 Aircraft-Aircraft oper/perf/capability-Performance/control parameters-Directional control-Not attained/maintained - C
• C Aircraft-Aircraft systems-Landing gear system-Brake-Unintentional use/operation - C
• C Personnel issues-Task performance-Use of equip/info-Aircraft control-Student/instructed pilot - C