Probable cause
The pilot's incorrect brake application during the landing roll, which resulted in a nose over.
NTSB analysis
The pilot of a tailwheel-equipped bi-plane reported that he was performing a short field landing on a rough grass runway. The pilot further reported that he applied the brakes immediately after touchdown, and then felt the main landing gear "grab" and the tail begin to rise. Subsequently, the bi-plane nosed over on the runway. The pilot reported that he "should not have applied the brakes so soon" after touchdown.
The vertical stabilizer sustained substantial damage.
The pilot did not report any mechanical malfunctions or failures with the bi-plane that would have precluded normal operation.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for GAA16CA200 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Apr 25, 2016
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Madison, Kansas
- Nearest airport
- Godfrey (SN91)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Grumman Acft Eng Cor-Schweizer G 164
- N-number
- N8872H
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1975
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 137 (agricultural)
- Purpose of flight
- Aerial application
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.