Probable cause
The pilot's improper brake application during the landing roll, which resulted in a nose-over.
NTSB analysis
The pilot reported that during the landing roll on dry grass, the brakes “locked up” and “over we went.” The airplane came to rest inverted. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the left-wing lift strut.
The pilot reported to the Federal Aviation Administration after the accident that the brakes worked better than he expected, and there were no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the brakes and that both wheels spun freely. A postaccident examination of the accident site showed no signs of disturbed terrain prior to the location of where the airplane came to rest inverted.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN22LA079 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Dec 13, 2021
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Ellinwood, Kansas
- Nearest airport
- Ellinwood Muni (1K6)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Luscombe 8A
- N-number
- N1616K
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1946
- 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.