Probable cause
The pilot's improper use of brakes which resulted in a nose over.
NTSB analysis
The pilot reported that he applied the brakes as the tailwheel-equipped airplane slowed down during the landing roll, but it nosed over. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the empennage. The pilot reported that there was no mechanical malfunctions or failure of the airplane.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN11CA435 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Jun 30, 2011
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Huntington, Indiana
- Nearest airport
- Huntington Municipal Airport (HHG)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Piper PA-16
- N-number
- N5985H
- 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.