Probable cause
The pilot's incorrect brake application during taxi, which resulted in a nose over.
NTSB analysis
The pilot of a tailwheel equipped airplane reported that during the taxi after landing, he "applied the brakes to slow down further" and suddenly the airplane nosed over. He further reported that he recently replaced the 29 inch Alaska Bushwheels with smaller 6.00x6 tires. According to the pilot, this made the Cleveland double puck brakes "very sensitive."
A postaccident examination revealed substantial damage to the right wing and vertical stabilizer.
The pilot reported that there were no mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for GAA16CA138 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Feb 24, 2016
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Enumclaw, Washington
- Nearest airport
- Enumclaw (WA77)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Cessna 170
- N-number
- N2715C
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1954
- 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.