Probable cause
The pilot's improper brake application during landing on a soft, dirt airstrip, which resulted in a nose-over.
NTSB analysis
The pilot of the tailwheel-equipped airplane reported that, during landing on a dirt airstrip in calm winds, the airplane decelerated, but its tail would not lower. He thought it might have been due to slightly hard braking, so he released the brakes, and the airplane nosed over.
The airplane sustained substantial damage to the left wing.
About 2 years before the accident, the Arizona Pilot's Association and The Recreational Aviation Foundation issued a pamphlet about the accident airport. It stated that the airport had multiple hazards, including varying surface conditions and hard and soft areas. It also stated to use "at your own risk" and "injury and loss of aircraft are possible."
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for GAA19CA057 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Nov 3, 2018
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Red Creek, Arizona
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Aviat A1
- N-number
- N93WY
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 2012
- 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.