Probable cause
The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control and his subsequent excessive brake application during landing, which resulted in a nose-over.
NTSB analysis
The solo student pilot reported that, during landing, the tailwheel-equipped airplane touched down "a little" crooked, veered to the right, and he attempted to correct with rudder but the airplane ran off the right side of the runway into a field that "wasn't terribly rough." He added that he attempted to takeoff from the field, but "realized it wasn't going to happen before the approaching trees." Subsequently, he aborted the takeoff, applied the brakes, and the airplane nosed over.
The airplane sustained substantial damage to the left-wing lift strut.
The student pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for GAA18CA241 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Apr 28, 2018
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Carrington, North Dakota
- Nearest airport
- Carrington Muni (46D)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Aeronca 65 LB
- N-number
- N34459
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1941
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Instructional
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.