Probable cause
The pilot's excessive use of brakes during landing, which resulted in a noseover.
NTSB analysis
The pilot reported that he was landing his tailwheel-equipped airplane on a dirt airstrip. After correcting for an off-centerline landing, he applied heavier braking than normal, and the airplane nosed over, which resulted in substantial damage to the vertical stabilizer.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ANC12CA071 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Jul 6, 2012
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Fairbanks, Alaska
- Nearest airport
- Clear Creek Strip (2AK2)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Bellanca 7GCBC
- N-number
- N90974
- Category
- Airplane
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Personal
From the NTSB aviation accident database: N-registered aircraft, events since 2008, data through Oct 28, 2026. The file is published monthly, so the latest weeks are incomplete and recent records can change. The official source is the NTSB aviation investigation search. CheckAero is independent and not affiliated with the NTSB.