Probable cause
The pilot's improper landing flare, which resulted in the airplane ballooning upon landing, and his subsequent loss of directional control and excessive brake application.
NTSB analysis
The pilot in the tailwheel-equipped airplane reported that, during landing, the airplane ballooned and then touched down on the left side of the runway centerline and exited the left side of the runway. The pilot braked hard in the grass safety area to avoid colliding with an airplane on a nearby taxiway, and the airplane subsequently nosed over.
The airplane sustained substantial damage to the vertical stabilizer and the rudder.
The pilot reported that the accident was a result of pilot error.
The 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 GAA18CA472 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Aug 4, 2018
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Mount Holly, New Jersey
- Nearest airport
- South Jersey Rgnl (VAY)
- Highest injury
- Minor
- Minor injuries
- 1
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Cessna 140
- N-number
- N1160D
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1951
- 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.