Probable cause
The student pilot's incorrect brake application which resulted in a runway excursion and a nose over.
NTSB analysis
The solo student pilot reported that during touchdown, near the approach end of the runway, the airplane bounced and floated. When the airplane came back down onto the airstrip, the pilot said he applied the brakes and the airplane pulled hard to the right. The airplane departed the airstrip to the right, crossed a ditch, the nose wheel separated, and the airplane nosed over. The airplane sustained substantial damage to both wings, the right wing lift strut, and the empennage.
The student 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 GAA16CA063 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Nov 24, 2015
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Hamlet, Nebraska
- Nearest airport
- Private Airstrip (None)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Cessna 182D
- N-number
- N8983X
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1961
- 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.