Probable cause
The pilot’s excessive use of wheel brakes during the takeoff roll, which resulted in a nose-over.
NTSB analysis
During the takeoff roll from a narrow, dirt, private strip, the pilot stated that the airplane veered to the left. In an attempt to realign the airplane with the runway centerline, he applied excessive right brake, overcorrected, and the airplane nosed over. The pilot reported no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN13CA399 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Jul 2, 2013
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Vernon, Texas
- Nearest airport
- Private Dirt Strip (None)
- Highest injury
- Minor
- Minor injuries
- 1
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Cessna 140
- N-number
- N72343
- 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.