Probable cause
The pilot's excessive use of brakes during the landing roll, which resulted in a nose-over.
NTSB analysis
The pilot reported that, during the landing roll on a dirt airstrip, the airplane skidded on a thin layer of frost on the dirt. He applied the brakes, and as the airplane transitioned to dry gravel, it nosed over. He added that he believed that the braking pressure he applied was excessive for the gravel portion of the airstrip. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the right-wing lift strut and rudder. 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 GAA20CA004 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Oct 5, 2019
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Triangle, Idaho
- Nearest airport
- Josephine Ranch (2ID3)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
SMITHS SUPER CUB
- N-number
- N677M
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 2005
- 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.