Probable cause
The right main gear tire contacting the brake caliper, which resulted in an uncommanded brake effect on the wheel.
NTSB analysis
The pilot performed a landing on a remote sandbar in the tailwheel-equipped airplane. The pilot stated that, on landing, the airplane started a slow turn to the right. He added that it appeared the right brake had locked-up and that he tried to correct the turn by adding full left rudder, left aileron, and full aft elevator. The pilot was unable to correct the turn, and the airplane nosed over coming to rest in the inverted position. After the airplane was recovered, it was noted that the airplane’s wheels were free to rotate. A “witness mark” was found on the right tire corresponding to the brake caliper. The airplane was equipped with low pressure, oversized bush wheels. The event is consistent with low tire pressure and/or a side load on the tire, which allowed it to come into contact with the brake caliper. The result of tire/caliper contact would be a dragging or brake effect on the wheel.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN12LA087 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Nov 23, 2011
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Gainesville, Texas
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Aviat Aircraft Inc A-1B
- N-number
- N252U
- 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.