Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the landing roll, and excessive use of brakes, which resulted in a runway excursion and nose over.
NTSB analysis
The pilot reported that while on short final, two flocks of geese departed the field in front of his airplane; "no immediate evasion action was necessary". During the landing roll, the airplane began to swerve and veered off the runway to the left. The pilot reported that he "over-applied brake" and subsequently nosed over after attempting to avoid the runway edge lights.
The pilot reported there were no pre-impact mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airframe or engine that would have precluded normal operation. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the empennage.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for GAA15CA218 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Aug 8, 2015
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- East Haddam, Connecticut
- Nearest airport
- Goodspeed (42B)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Cessna 170A
- N-number
- N5749C
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1951
- 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.