Probable cause
The pilot's use of excessive brake input during the recovery from the ground loop, which resulted in a nose over.
NTSB analysis
The pilot reported that after the touchdown, right rudder and brake was applied to counter a ground loop. He reported that the ground loop was prevented but the airplane nosed over as a result of the brake input. A postflight inspection revealed substantial damage to the fuselage, the right wing support strut, and the empennage.
The pilot reported there were no pre-impact mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airframe or engine that would have precluded normal operation.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for GAA16CA024 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Oct 17, 2015
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Mckinney, Texas
- Nearest airport
- Collin County Rgnl At Mc Kinne (TKI)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Cessna 120
- N-number
- N2099V
- 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.