Probable cause
The pilot’s inadvertent brake application during the landing roll, which resulted in a loss of directional control.
NTSB analysis
According to the pilot in the tailwheel-equipped airplane, he was inexperienced flying this make and model. The pilot reported that, during the landing roll on asphalt, the tundra tire-equipped airplane yawed to the left, and he corrected with "significant" right rudder. He reported that he inadvertently engaged the right toe brake when he applied right rudder, "which led to a very rapid and unsustainable correction." The airplane ground looped to the right, and the left wing struck the ground.
The airplane sustained substantial damage to the left wing and aileron.
The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for GAA17CA572 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Sep 27, 2017
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Kalispell, Montana
- Nearest airport
- Glacier Park Intl (GPI)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Cub Crafters Inc CC19-180
- N-number
- N53XC
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 2017
- 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.