Probable cause
The pilot's inadvertent application of the wheel brakes immediately after landing, which resulted in the airplane nosing over.
NTSB analysis
According to the pilot, he landed the tailwheel-equipped airplane on a private grass strip and the airplane bounced. When the airplane settled back onto the grass, the pilot inadvertently applied the wheel brakes. Subsequently, the airplane nosed over and came to rest inverted, which resulted in substantial damage to the wings, fuselage, and empennage. The pilot stated that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ERA12CA339 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- May 16, 2012
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Gulf Shores, Alabama
- Nearest airport
- Private (NONE)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Bellanca 8GCBC
- N-number
- N86917
- Category
- Airplane
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Banner tow
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.