Piper PA18A-150 N7684D accident near Brainerd, Minnesota

Probable cause

The pilot's decision to land on a shortened field and his incorrect brake application. Contributing was the flight instructor's lack of oversight.

NTSB analysis

The pilot had just purchased the airplane and was receiving flight instruction to satisfy insurance requirements. They decided to fly to the instructor's home and land in a field behind his house. They made a low pass and noted that there was a slight ditch with some water in it about halfway down the field. They landed beyond the ditch and the pilot noticed some trees at the end of the field that were getting closer. The pilot believed the tail was still flying when he applied slight braking to slow down. The airplane struck a bump, or bounced, and nosed over, causing substantial damage to both wings, the vertical stabilizer and rudder, the engine, and the propeller. The pilot reported no mechanical malfunction or failure with the airplane.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN20CA255 for the full record.