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GAA17CA561

2017-09-27 · Bessemer, Alabama, United States · None · 1 aircraft · Status: Completed

Airport EKY

Current FAA registration · N200XW

Make / Model
AMERICAN LEGEND AIRCRAFT CO AL18
Year of manufacture
2016 · 1 years old at event
Engine
TITAN IO-340 (180 hp)
Seats / Engines
2 seats · 1 engine
Last airworthiness date
20160120
ADS-B equipped
Yes — Mode-S A19425

Source: FAA Aircraft Registry (releasable master file).

Aircraft involved

Probable cause & findings

The student pilot’s incorrect application of the brakes and subsequent failure to maintain directional control during the landing roll. Contributing to the accident was the flight instructor’s delayed remedial action.

Factual narrative

The flight instructor, who was providing instruction in the tailwheel-equipped airplane reported that, during the landing roll, the student pilot failed to maintain directional control and the airplane swerved right and then left. He added that, during the attempted remediation of the second swerve, the tail started to rise with an "associated tire squeal." Subsequently, the propeller struck the ground and the airplane nosed over. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the fuselage. The flight instructor reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. The flight instructor also reported that, it was his belief that "the student inadvertently got on the brakes." The flight instructor, who was providing instruction to the student pilot in the tailwheel-equipped airplane, reported that, during the landing roll, the student failed to maintain directional control, and the airplane swerved right and then left. He added that, during the attempted remediation of the second swerve, the tail started to rise with an "associated tire squeal." Subsequently, the propeller struck the ground, and the airplane nosed over. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the fuselage. The flight instructor reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. The flight instructor also reported that he believed that "the student inadvertently got on the brakes." Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database Retrieved: 2026-02-12

NTSB Findings

FAA avdata. C = Cause, F = Factor.

  • C Aircraft-Aircraft oper/perf/capability-Performance/control parameters-Directional control-Not attained/maintained - C
  • C Personnel issues-Task performance-Use of equip/info-Aircraft control-Student/instructed pilot - C
  • C Aircraft-Aircraft oper/perf/capability-Performance/control parameters-Surface speed/braking-Incorrect use/operation - C
  • F Personnel issues-Action/decision-Action-Delayed action-Instructor/check pilot - F

Verbatim from NTSB's published report. Source file NTSB_2017_GAA17CA561.txt. Findings + structured fields enriched from FAA avall.mdb. Full investigation docket on data.ntsb.gov ↗.

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