Probable cause
The pilot's use of excessive braking during the landing roll, which resulted in a nose-over.
NTSB analysis
The pilot of the tailwheel-equipped airplane reported that, during landing on a short gravel surfaced runway he "braked to hard," and the airplane nosed over.
The airplane sustained substantial damage to the wings, left 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, and that the accident may have been prevented if he had realized his limitations and experience level and selected a more suitable runway or applied less brakes after touchdown.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ANC21LA042 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- May 27, 2021
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Birchwood, Alaska
- Nearest airport
- Bold (A13)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Bellanca 7GCBC
- N-number
- N659HC
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1979
- 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.